Terminal apparatus, control apparatus, gateway, and communication control method

ABSTRACT

To provide a communication control means for establishing a session suitable for a terminal apparatus connecting to multiple access networks of various kinds and a network apparatus, a user data communication control means suitable for a terminal apparatus that has established sessions via multiple access networks and a network apparatus, and the like. This provides a communication control means suitable for a terminal apparatus and a network apparatus that support connection to multiple access networks of various kinds.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a terminal apparatus, a controlapparatus, a gateway, and a communication control method. Thisapplication claims priority based on JP 2016-132768 filed on Jul. 4,2016 in Japan, the contents of which are incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference.

BACKGROUND ART

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which undertakesactivities for standardizing recent mobile communication systems,discusses System Architecture Enhancement (SAE), which is the systemarchitecture of the Long Term Evolution (LTE). The 3GPP is in theprocess of creating specifications for the Evolved Packet System (EPS)as a communication system which realizes an all-IP architecture. Notethat a core network constituting EPS is called an Evolved Packet Core(EPC).

Moreover, in recent years, the 3GPP also discusses next generationcommunication technologies and system architectures for 5th Generation(5G) mobile communication systems, which are next generation mobilecommunication systems, and discusses Architecture for Next GenerationSystem (NextGen) as a discussion about a next generation communicationtechnology. In NextGen, technical problems for connecting variousterminals to a cellular network are extracted, and solutions arestandardized.

Requirements are, for example, optimization and diversification ofcommunication procedures for supporting intermittent mobilecommunication services for terminals supporting various access networks,optimization of system architectures in line with the optimization anddiversification of communication procedures, and the like.

CITATION LIST Non Patent Literature

-   NPL 1: 3GPP TR 23.799 V0.5.0 (2016-05); 3rd Generation Partnership    Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects;    Study on Architecture for Next Generation System; (Release 14)

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

In NextGen, optimization of session management in mobile communicationservices between a terminal and a network apparatus is under discussion.

More specifically, discussions have been conducted for providingintermittent mobile communication services suitable for terminals andnetwork apparatuses by diversifying access networks used in a sessionestablishment procedure and a user data communication procedure.

However, there are no known means for establishing a session for aterminal supporting various access networks and a network apparatus, ameans for realizing various user data communication means, and the like.

The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, andan object of the present invention is to provide a means for sessionestablishment, a communication control means for realizing various kindsof user data communication, and the like.

Solution to Problem

A terminal apparatus according to the present invention includes: atransmission and/or reception unit configured to receive a sessionestablishment accept message including at least first identificationinformation, from a core network or an access network via a Non-3GPPaccess in a first session establishment procedure; and a controllerconfigured to establish a session supporting Access Traffic Splittingwith the core network, based on the first session establishmentprocedure, wherein the first identification information is informationindicating that the session supporting Access Traffic Splitting isestablished, and the session is a session in which communication througha first communication path via the Non-3GPP access is possible.

A communication control method of a terminal apparatus according to thepresent invention includes the steps of: receiving a sessionestablishment accept message including at least first identificationinformation, from a core network or an access network via a Non-3GPPaccess in a first session establishment procedure; and establishing asession supporting Access Traffic Splitting with the core network, basedon the first session establishment procedure. The first identificationinformation is information indicating that a session supporting AccessTraffic Splitting is established. The session is a session in whichcommunication through a first communication path via the Non-3GPP accessis possible.

A control apparatus included in a core network according to the presentinvention includes: a transmission and/or reception unit configured toreceive a session establishment request message including at least firstidentification information, from a terminal apparatus via a 3GPP accessin a session establishment procedure, wherein the transmission and/orreception unit transmits a session establishment accept messageincluding at least second identification information, to the terminalapparatus via a 3GPP access in the session establishment procedure, thefirst identification information is information indicating thatestablishment of a session supporting Access Traffic Splitting isrequested, and the second identification information is informationindicating that establishment of a session supporting Access TrafficSplitting is established.

A communication control method of a control apparatus included in a corenetwork according to the present invention includes the steps of:receiving a session establishment request message including at leastfirst identification information, from a terminal apparatus via the 3GPPaccess in a session establishment procedure; and transmitting a sessionestablishment accept message including at least first identificationinformation, to the terminal apparatus via the 3GPP access in thesession establishment procedure, wherein the first identificationinformation is information indicating that establishment of a sessionsupporting Access Traffic Splitting is requested, and the secondidentification information is information indicating that establishmentof the session supporting Access Traffic Splitting is established.

A gateway that connects an access network and a core network accordingto the present invention includes a transmission and/or reception unitconfigured to transmit a session establishment accept message includingat least first identification information, to a terminal apparatus via aNon-3GPP access in a session establishment procedure, wherein the firstidentification information is information indicating that a sessionsupporting Access Traffic Splitting is established.

A communication control method of a gateway for connecting an accessnetwork and a core network according to the present invention includes astep of transmitting a session establishment accept message including atleast first identification information, to a terminal apparatus via aNon-3GPP access in a session establishment procedure, wherein the firstidentification information is information indicating that a sessionsupporting Access Traffic Splitting is established.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, a terminal is capable of connectingto a core network via multiple access networks simultaneously and alsorealizing various kinds of user data communication. Moreover, a corenetwork is capable of accommodating a terminal apparatus connecting tovarious access networks and also providing a mobile communicationservice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a mobile communicationsystem.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating an example of a configurationof a mobile communication network, and the like.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of theconfiguration of the mobile communication network, and the like.

FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an apparatus configuration of a UE.

FIGS. 5B to 5D are diagrams illustrating a storage unit of the UE.

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an apparatus configuration of aneNB/NextGen B S/WAG.

FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an apparatus configuration of an MME.

FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a storage unit of the MME.

FIGS. 9C and 9D are diagrams illustrating the storage unit of the MME.

FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating an apparatus configuration of aSGW/PGW/SCEF.

FIGS. 11B to 11D are diagrams illustrating a storage unit of the SGW.

FIGS. 12B to 12E are diagrams illustrating a storage unit of the PGW.

FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating a storage unit of the SCEF.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a PDU session isestablished.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a communicationprocedure.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an attach procedure.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a UE-initiated PDU sessionestablishment procedure.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a UE-initiated PDU sessionestablishment procedure via a second access.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a network-initiated routing ruleupdate procedure.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a UE-initiated routing rule updateprocedure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the presentinvention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that asan example, the present embodiments describes embodiments of a mobilecommunication system to which the present invention is applied.

1. EMBODIMENTS 1.1. System Overview

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a mobile communicationsystem according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, amobile communication system 1 includes a mobile terminal apparatus UE_A10, an access network, a core network_A 90, and a Packet Data Network(PDN)_A 5. Here, the UE_A 10 may be any wirelessly connectable terminalapparatus, and may be a User equipment (UE), a Mobile Equipment (ME), ora Mobile Station (MS). The UE_A 10 may be a Cellular Internet of Things(CIoT) terminal. Note that the CloT terminal is an Internet of Things(IoT) terminal connectable to the core network_A 90, and the IoTterminal includes a mobile phone terminal such as a smartphone and maybe any of various IT apparatuses such as a personal computer and asensor apparatus.

Moreover, the UE_A 10 is capable of connecting to the access networkand/or the core network_A 90. Moreover, the UE_A 10 is capable ofconnecting to the PDN_A 5 via the access network and/or the corenetwork_A 90 and is also configured to transmit and/or receive user datato and/or from the PDN_A 5. Note that the user data may be datatransmitted and/or received between the UE_A 10 and the PDN_A 5.Moreover, user data transmission and/or reception may be performedthrough a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session. Moreover, user datacommunication may be non-IP communication without being limited to IPcommunication.

Here, a PDU session is connectivity established between the UE_A 10 andthe PDN_A 5 to provide a PDU connection service performing transmissionand/or reception of user data between the UE_A 10 and the PDN_A 5. Morespecifically, the PDU session may be connectivity established betweenthe UE_A 10 and an external gateway device. Here, the external gatewaydevice may be a device connecting the core network_A 90 and the PDN_A 5,such as the PGW_A 30 or the SCEF_A 46.

Alternatively, the PDU session may be a communication path establishedto transmit and/or receive user data between the UE_A 10, and the corenetwork_A 90 and/or the PDN_A 5, and may be a communication path totransmit and/or receive a PDU. Furthermore, the PDU session may be asession established between the UE_A 10, and the core network_A 90and/or the PDN_A 5 and may be a logical communication path constitutedof transfer paths such as one or multiple bearers between each device inthe mobile communication system 1. More specifically, the PDU sessionmay be connection established by the UE_A 10 between the core network_A90 and an external gateway device, and may be connection such as PacketData Network Connection (PDN Connection) established between the UE_A10, and the PGW_A 30 and/or the SCEF_A 46.

Note that a PDU session may be connectivity and/or connection betweenthe UE_A 10 and the PGW_A 30 via an eNB_A 45 and/or a SGW_A 35, or maybe connectivity and/or connection between the UE_A 10 and the SCEF_A 46via the eNB_A 45 and/or a MME_A 40. Here, define a PDU sessionestablished between the UE_A 10 and the PGW_A 30 via a device in theaccess network and the SGW_A 35 as a first PDU session, and define a PDUsession established between the UE_A 10 and SCEF_A 46 via a device inthe access network and the MME_A 40 as a second PDU session.

Note that a device such as an application server placed in the UE_A 10and the PDN_A 5 can perform transmission and/or reception of user databy using the PDU session. In other words, the PDU session can transferuser data transmitted and/or received by a device such as an applicationserver placed in the UE_A 10 and the PDN_A 5. Furthermore, each device(the UE_A 10, and/or a device in the access network, and/or a device inthe core network_A 90) may manage one or multiple identificationinformation in association with a PDU session. Note that theidentification information may include one or more of an APN, a TFT, asession type, application identification information, identificationinformation of the PDN_A 5, network slice identification information,and access network identification information, or may further includeother information. Furthermore, in a case of establishing multiple PDUsessions, each identification information associated with a PDU sessionmay be the same contents, or may be different contents.

IP communication is data communication that uses Internet Protocol (IP),and is data communication implemented by transmission and/or receptionof an IP packet to which an IP header is given. Note that a payloadportion constituting an IP packet may include user data transmittedand/or received by the UE_A 10. Non-IP communication is communication ofdata without using IP, and is data communication implemented bytransmission and/or reception of data to which an IP header is notgiven. For example, non-IP communication may be data communicationimplemented by transmission and/or reception of application data towhich an IP packet is not given, or may transmit and/or receive userdata transmitted and/or received by the UE_A 10 with another givenheader such as a MAC header and an Ethernet (trade name) frame header.

Furthermore, the PDN_A 5 is a Data Network (DN) which provides acommunication service to the UE_A 10. Note that the DN may be configuredas a packet data service network, or may be configured for each service.Furthermore, the PDN_A 5 may include a connected communication terminal.Therefore, connecting with the PDN_A 5 may be connecting with acommunication terminal located in the PDN_A 5, and furthermore,transmitting and/or receiving user data to and/or from the PDN_A 5 maybe transmitting and/or receiving user data to and/or from acommunication terminal located in the PDN_A 5.

Furthermore, the access network is a radio network connected with theUE_A 10 and/or the core network_A 90. The access network may be a 3GPPaccess network, or may be a non-3GPP access network. Note that the 3GPPaccess network may be an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio AccessNetwork (E-UTRAN)_A 80, a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network(UTRAN)_A 20, a GSM (trade name) EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN)_A 25,and a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NextGen RAN)_A 120, and thenon-3GPP access network may be a WLAN ANb 75, a WLAN ANa 70, and a WLANANc 125. Note that the UE_A 10 may connect with the access network toconnect with the core network_A 90, and may connect with the corenetwork_A 90 via the access network.

Furthermore, the core network_A 90 is an IP mobile communication networkoperated by a Mobile Operator connected with the access network and/orthe PDN_A 5. The core network_A 90 may be a core network for a MobileOperator to operate and manage the mobile communication system 1, or maybe a core network for a virtual Mobile Operator such as a Mobile VirtualNetwork Operator (MVNO). Alternatively, the core network_A 90 may be acore network for accommodating a CloT terminal. Note that the corenetwork_A 90 may be an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) for an Evolved PacketSystem (EPS), or may be a Next Generation Core (NextGen Core) for a NextGeneration System (NextGen System).

Next, an example of a configuration of the core network_A 90 will bedescribed. In the present embodiment, two configuration examples of thecore network_A 90 will be described. Note that the core network_A 90 maybe a first core network, a second core network, or a combination ofthese. Moreover, the first core network may be an EPC, and the secondcore network may be a NextGen Core. Furthermore, the first core networkand/or the second core network may be constituted by a system optimizedfor IoT.

First, an example of the configuration of the core network_A 90 in acase that the core network_A 90 is a first core network is illustratedin FIGS. 2A and 2B. The core network_A 90 in FIG. 2A includes a HomeSubscriber Server (HSS)_A 50, an Authentication Authorization Accounting(AAA)_A 55, a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF)_A 60, a PacketData Network Gateway (PGW)_A 30, an enhanced Packet Data Gateway(ePDG)_A 65, a Serving Gateway (SGW)_A 35, a Mobility Management Entity(MME)_A 40, a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN)_A 42, and a ServiceCapability Exposure Function (SCEF)_A 46. Furthermore, the corenetwork_A 90 is capable of connecting to multiple radio access networks(the E-UTRAN_A 80, the WLAN ANb 75, the WLAN ANa 70, the UTRAN_A 20, andthe GERAN_A 25).

Such a radio access network may be configured by connecting to multipledifferent access networks, or may be configured by connecting to eitherone of the access networks. Moreover, the UE_A 10 is capable ofwirelessly connecting to the radio access network. Moreover, a WLANAccess Network b (WLAN ANb 75) that connects to the core network via theePDG_A 65 and a WLAN Access Network a (WLAN ANa 70) that connects to thePGW_A 30, the PCRF_A 60, and the AAA_A 55 can be configured as accessnetworks connectable in a WLAN access system. Note that each apparatushas a similar configuration to those of the apparatuses of the relatedart in a mobile communication system using EPS, and thus detaileddescriptions thereof are omitted. Each apparatus will be describedbriefly hereinafter.

The PGW_A 30 is connected to the PDN_A 5, the SGW_A 35, the ePDG_A 65,the WLAN ANa 70, the PCRF_A 60, and the AAA_A 55, and serves as a relayapparatus configured to transfer user data by functioning as a gatewayapparatus between the PDN_A 5 and/or a DN and the core network_A 90.Note that the PGW_A 30 may be a gateway apparatus for IP communicationand/or non-IP communication. Moreover, the PGW_A 30 may have a functionof transferring IP communication and/or may have a function ofconverting between non-IP communication and IP communication. Note thatmultiple gateways thus configured may be provided in the core network_A90. Moreover, multiple gateways each of which connects the corenetwork_A 90 and a single DN may also be provided.

Moreover, the PGW_A 30 may be an UP network apparatus (U-Plane NetworkFunction) having a contact with the PDN_A 5 and configured to transferuser data, or may be a User Plane Gateway (UP GW), which is a gatewayfor transferring user data between the PDN_A 5 and the core network.

The SGW_A 35 is connected to the PGW_A 30, the MME_A 40, the E-UTRAN_A80, the SGSN_A 42, and the UTRAN_A 20, and serves as a relay apparatusconfigured to transfer user data by functioning as a gateway apparatusbetween the core network_A 90 and a 3GPP access network (the UTRAN_A 20,the GERAN_A 25, the E-UTRAN_A 80).

Moreover, the SGW_A 35 may be an UP network apparatus (U-Plane NetworkFunction) having a contact with the access network and configured totransfer user data, or may be a User Plane Gateway (UP GW), which is agateway for transferring user data between the access network and thecore network.

The MME_A 40 is connected to the SGW_A 35, the access network, the HSS_A50, and the SCEF_A 46 and serves as a control apparatus configured toperform location information management including mobility managementand access control for the UE_A 10 via the access network. Moreover, theMME_A 40 may have a function as a session management apparatusconfigured to manage sessions established by the UE_A 10. Multiplecontrol apparatuses thus configured may be provided in the corenetwork_A 90. For example, a location management apparatus differentfrom the MME_A 40 may be configured. As the MME_A 40, the locationmanagement apparatus different from the MME_A 40 may be connected to theSGW_A 35, the access network, the SCEF_A 46, and the HSS_A 50.

Furthermore, in a case that multiple MMEs are included in the corenetwork_A 90, the MMEs may be connected to each other. With thisconfiguration, the context of the UE_A 10 may be transmitted and/orreceived between the MMEs. As has been described, the MME_A 40 is amanagement apparatus configured to transmit and/or receive controlinformation associated with mobility management and session managementto and/or from the UE_A 10, and may be, in other words, any controlplane control apparatus.

Moreover, a description has been given of the example in which the MME_A40 is included in the core network_A 90. However, in a case thatmultiple core networks or network slices are configured, the MME_A 40may be a management apparatus connected to one or more of the corenetworks or may be a management apparatus connected to multiple networkslices.

The multiple core networks or network slices may be networks run by asingle network operator or may be networks run by different networkoperators. Here, the network slices may be logical networks configuredso that user data to be delivered through services and the like aredivided. The network slices may be network slice instances.

Furthermore, the MME_A 40 may be a relay apparatus configured totransfer user data as a gateway apparatus between the core network_A 90and the access network. The user data transmitted and/or received fromand/or by the MME_A 40 as a gateway apparatus may be small data.

Moreover, the MME_A 40 may be a Network Function playing a role ofmobility management for the UE_A 10 or the like, a Network Functionplaying a role of session management for a PDU session or the like, or aNetwork Function configured to manage one or multiple network slices.The MME_A 40 may be a network apparatus playing one or multiple of theseroles. Note that the network apparatus may be one or multipleapparatuses provided in the core network_A 90, a Control Plane (C-Plane)Function for control information and/or a control message, or CommonControl Plane (C-Plane) Function that is in common among multiplenetwork slices.

The HSS_A 50 is connected to the MME_A 40, the AAA_A 55, and the SCEF_A46 and serves as a managing node that manages subscriber information.The subscriber information of the HSS_A 50 is referred to during MME_A40 access control, for example. Moreover, the HSS_A 50 may be connectedto the location management apparatus different from the MME_A 40. TheAAA_A 55 is connected to the PGW_A 30, the HSS_A 50, the PCRF_A 60, andthe WLAN ANa 70, and is configured to perform access control for theUE_A 10 connected via the WLAN ANa 70.

The PCRF_A 60 is connected to the PGW_A 30, the WLAN ANa 75, the AAA_A55, and the PDN_A 5, and is configured to perform QoS management on datadelivery. For example, the PCRF_A 60 manages QoS of a communication pathbetween the UE_A 10 and the PDN_A 5. The ePDG_A 65 is connected to thePGW_A 30 and the WLAN ANb 75 and is configured to deliver user data byfunctioning as a gateway apparatus between the core network_A 90 and theWLAN ANb 75.

The SGSN_A 42 is connected to the UTRAN_A 20, the GERAN_A 25, and theSGW_A 35 and is a control apparatus for location management between a3G/2G access network (UTRAN/GERAN) and the LTE access network (E-UTRAN).In addition, the SGSN_A 42 includes functions of: selecting the PGW andthe SGW; managing a time zone of the UE_A 10; and selecting the MME atthe time of handover to the E-UTRAN.

The SCEF_A 46 is connected to the PDN_A 5, the MME_A 40, and the HSS_A50, and serves as a relay apparatus configured to transfer user data byfunctioning as a gateway apparatus between the PDN_A 5 and/or a DN andthe core network_A 90. Note that the SCEF_A 46 may be a gatewayapparatus for non-IP communication. Moreover, the SCEF_A 46 may have afunction of converting non-IP communication and IP communication.Multiple gateways thus configured may be provided in the core network_A90. Moreover, multiple gateways each of which connects the corenetwork_A 90 and a single DN may also be provided.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, each radio access networkincludes apparatuses to which the UE_A 10 is actually connected (e.g., abase station apparatus and an access point apparatus), and the like. Theapparatuses used in these connections can be thought of as apparatusesadapted to the radio access networks.

In the present embodiment, the E-UTRAN_A 80 is a Long Term Evolution(LTE) access network and includes an evolved Node B (eNB)_A 45. TheeNB_A 45 is a radio base station to which the UE_A 10 connects throughan Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), and theE-UTRAN_A 80 may include one or multiple eNBs_A 45. Furthermore, themultiple eNBs may be connected to each other.

The UTRAN_A 20 is a 3G access network and includes a Radio NetworkController (RNC)_A 24 and a Node B (NB)_A 22. The NB_A 22 is a radiobase station to which the UE_A 10 connects through a UniversalTerrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), and the UTRAN_A 20 may include one ormultiple radio base stations. Furthermore, the RNC_A 24 is a controllerconfigured to connect the core network_A 90 and the NB_A 22, and theUTRAN_A 20 may include one or multiple RNCs. Moreover, the RNC_A 24 maybe connected to one or multiple NBs_A 22. In addition, the RNC_A 24 maybe connected to a radio base station (Base Station Subsystem (BSS)_A 26)included in the GERAN_A 25.

The GERAN_A 25 is a 2G access network and includes the BSS_A 26. TheBSS_A 26 is a radio base station to which the UE_A 10 connects throughGSM (trade name)/EDGE Radio Access (GERA), and the GERAN_A 25 mayinclude one or multiple radio base stations BSS. Furthermore, themultiple BSSs may be connected to each other. Moreover, the BSS_A 26 maybe connected to the RNC_A 24.

The WLAN ANa 70 is a wireless LAN access network and includes a WLANAccess Point (WLAN AP) a 72 and a Trusted WLAN Access Gateway (TWAG)_A74. The WLAN APa 72 is a radio base station to which the UE_A 10connects in the WLAN access system trusted by the operator running thecore network_A 90, and the WLAN ANa 70 may include one or multiple radiobase stations. The TWAG_A 74 serves as a gateway apparatus between thecore network_A 90 and the WLAN ANa 70. The WLAN APa 72 and the TWAG_A 74may be configured as a single apparatus. Even in a case that theoperator running the core network_A 90 and the operator running the WLANANa 70 are different, such a configuration can be implemented throughcontracts and agreements between the operators.

Furthermore, the WLAN ANb 75 is a wireless LAN access network andincludes a WLAN Access Point (WLAN AP) b 76. The WLAN APb 76 is a radiobase station to which the UE_A 10 connects in the WLAN access system ina case that no trusting relationship is established with the operatorrunning the core network_A 90, and the WLAN ANb 75 may include one ormultiple radio base stations.

In this manner, the WLAN ANb 75 is connected to the core network_A 90via the ePDG_A 65, which is an apparatus included in the core network_A90, serving as a gateway. The ePDG_A 65 has a security function forensuring security.

Next, an example of a configuration of the core network_A 90 in a casethat the core network_A 90 is a second core network will be described.FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example of the configuration of the corenetwork_A 90. The core network_A 90 in FIG. 3A includes the HSS_A 50,the PCRF_A 60, the PGW_A 30, the SGW_A 35, the MME_A 40, and the SCEF_A46.

Furthermore, the core network_A 90 can connect to multiple radio accessnetworks (the E-UTRAN 80, the NextGen RAN_A 120, and the WLAN ANc 125).Such a radio access network may be configured by connecting to multipledifferent access networks, or may be configured by connecting to eitherone of the access networks. Moreover, the UE_A 10 is capable ofwirelessly connecting to the radio access network.

Moreover, the E-UTRAN_A 80 and the NextGen RAN_A 120 can be configuredas access networks connectable in a 3GPP access system. Moreover, a WLANaccess network c (WLAN ANc 125) that connects to the MME_A 40 and theSGW_A 35 can be configured as an access network connectable in a WLANaccess system. Note that each apparatus has a similar configuration tothe corresponding apparatus of the first core network, and thus detaileddescriptions thereof are omitted. Each apparatus will be describedbriefly hereinafter.

The PGW_A 30 is an apparatus connected to the PDN_A 5, the SGW_A 35, andthe PCRF_A 60. Moreover, the SGW_A 35 is an apparatus connected to thePGW_A 30, the MME_A 40, the E-UTRAN 80, the NextGen RAN_A 120, and theWLAN ANc 126. Moreover, the MME_A 40 is an apparatus connected to theSGW_A 35, the E-UTRAN 80, the NextGen RAN_A 120, the WLAN ANc 126, theHSS_A 50, and the SCEF_A 46. Note that the roles of the PGW_A 30, theSGW_A 35, and the MME_A 40 may be the same as the roles of thecorresponding apparatuses described for the first core network. Theconfigurations and roles of SCEF_A 46, the HSS_A 50, and the PCRF_60 maybe similar to the apparatuses described for the first core network.Therefore, description of the steps is omitted.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, each radio access networkincludes apparatuses to which the UE_A 10 is actually connected (such asa base station apparatus and an access point apparatus), and the like.The apparatuses used in these connections can be thought of asapparatuses adapted to the radio access networks.

In the present embodiment, the NextGen RAN_A 120 is a 5G access networkand includes a Next Generation Base Station (NextGen BS)_A 122. TheNextGen BS_A 122 is a radio base station to which the UE_A 10 connectsthrough Next Generation Radio Access (NextGen RA), and the NextGen RAN_A120 may include one or multiple NextGen BS_A 122.

Furthermore, the WLAN ANc 125 is a wireless LAN access network andincludes a WAG_A 126. The WLAN Access Gateway (WAG)_A 126 is a radiobase station to which the UE_A 10 connects through a wireless LANaccess, and the WLAN ANc 125 may include one or multiple WAGs_A 126.Moreover, the WAG_A 126 may serve as a gateway apparatus between thecore network_A 90 and the WLAN ANc 125. In the WAG_A 126, a functionunit of a radio base station and a function unit of a gateway apparatusmay be constituted by separate apparatuses.

Note that herein, the UE_A 10 being connected to radio access networksrefers to the UE_A 10 being connected to a base station apparatus, anaccess point, or the like included in each of the radio access networks,and data, signals, and the like being transmitted and/or received alsopass through those base station apparatuses, access points.

1.2. Device Configuration

At first, identification information stored in each apparatus will bedescribed. International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) is permanentidentification information of a subscriber (user), and is identificationinformation assigned to a user using a UE. IMSI stored in the UE_A 10,the MME_A 40, and the SGW_A 35 may be the same as IMSI stored in theHSS_A 50.

EMM State/MM State indicates a Mobility management state of the UE_A 10or the MME_A 40. For example, the EMM State/MM State may be anEMM-REGISTERED state (registration state) where the UE_A 10 isregistered with a network and/or an EMM-DEREGISTERD state(non-registration state) where the UE_A 10 is not registered with anetwork. Alternatively, the EMM State/MM State may be an ECM-CONNECTEDstate where connection between the UE_A 10 and the core network_A 90 ismaintained and/or an ECM-IDLE state where the connection is released.

The Globally Unique Temporary Identity (GUTI) is temporaryidentification information about the UE_A 10. The GUTI is constituted ofidentification information of the MME_A 40 (GUMMEI: Globally Unique MMEIdentifier) and identification information of the UE_A 10 in thespecific MME_A 40 (M-TMSI). ME Identity is ID of the UE_A 10 or a ME,and for example, may be International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)and IMEI Software Version (IMISV). MSISDN represents a basic phonenumber of the UE_A 10. The MSISDN stored in the MME_A 40 may beinformation provided by a storage unit of the HSS_A 50.

MME F-TEID is information for identifying the MME_A 40. The MME F-TEIDmay include an IP address of the MME_A 40, may include Tunnel EndpointIdentifier (TEID) of the MME_A 40, or may include both the IP addressand the TEID. The IP address of the MME_A 40 and the TEID of the MME_A40 may be stored independently. The MME F-TEID may be identificationinformation for user data, and may be identification information forcontrol information.

SGW F-TEID is information for identifying the SGW_A 35. The SGW F-TEIDmay include an IP address of the SGW_A 35, may include TEID of the SGW_A35, or may include both the IP address and the TEID. The IP address ofthe SGW_A 35 and the TEID of the SGW_A 35 may be stored independently.The SGW F-TEID may be identification information for user data, and maybe identification information for control information.

PGW F-TEID is information for identifying the PGW_A 30. The PGW F-TEIDmay include an IP address of the PGW_A 30, may include TEID of the PGW_A30, or may include both the IP address and the TEID. The IP address ofthe PGW_A 30 and the TEID of the PGW_A 30 may be stored independently.The PGW F-TEID may be identification information for user data, and maybe identification information for control information.

eNB F-TEID is information for identifying the eNB_A 45. The eNB F-TEIDmay include an IP address of the eNB_A 45, may include TEID of the eNB_A45, or may include both the IP address and the TEID. The IP address ofthe eNB_A 45 and the TEID of the SGW_A 35 may be stored independently.The eNB F-TEID may be identification information for user data, and maybe identification information for control information.

An Access Point Name (APN) may be identification information foridentifying the core network_A 90 and an external network such as a DN.Furthermore, the APN can be used as information for selecting a gatewaydevice such as the PGW_A 30 to connect with the core network_A 90.

Note that the APN may be identification information for identifying sucha gateway device, or may be identification information for identifyingan external network such as a DN. Note that there may be multiplegateways selectable by APNs in a case that multiple gateways are locatedto connect the core network_A 90 and a DN. Furthermore, in a case ofselecting one gateway from such multiple gateway devices, the gatewaymay be selected by another technique using identification informationother than the APN.

UE Radio Access Capability is identification information for indicatinga radio access capability of the UE_A 10. UE Network Capability includesan algorithm of security supported by a UE and a key derivativefunction. The MS Network Capability is information including at leastone kind of information necessary for the SGSN to the UE having theGERAN and/or UTRAN function. The Access Restriction is registrationinformation for access restriction. eNB Address is an IP address of theeNB_A 45. MME UE S1AP ID is information for identifying a UE in theMME_A 40. eNB UE S1AP ID is information for identifying a UE in theeNB_A 45.

APN in Use (Data Network Identifier) is an APN recently used. This APNmay include identification information about the network andidentification information about a default operator. Furthermore, APN inUse (Data Network Identifier) may be information for identifying a DN ofan establishment destination of a PDU session.

Assigned Session Type (Assigned PDN Type) is information for indicatinga type of a PDU session. The type of a PDU session may be IP or may benon-IP. Furthermore, in a case that the type of a PDU session is IP,information for indicating a type of a PDN assigned from a network maybe included. Note that Assigned Session Type (Assigned PDN Type) may beIPv4, IPv6, or IPv4v6.

In addition, unless otherwise specified, IP Address is an IP addressassigned to a UE. The IP address may be an IPv4 address, may be an IPv6address, or may be an IPv6 prefix. Note that an element of IP Addressmay not be included in a case that Assigned Session Type (Assigned PDNType) indicates non-IP.

SCEF ID is an IP address of the SCEF_A 46 used in a PDU session. DefaultBearer is information obtained and/or generated at the time of PDUsession establishment, and is EPS bearer identification information foridentifying a default bearer associated with a PDU session.

EPS Bearer ID is identification information of an EPS bearer. Inaddition, EPS Bearer ID may be identification information foridentifying a SRB and/or a CRB, and may be identification informationfor identifying a DRB. Transaction Identifier (TI) is identificationinformation for identifying bidirectional message flow (Transaction).Note that EPS Bearer ID may be EPS bearer identification information foridentifying a dedicated bearer. Therefore, it may be identificationinformation for distinguishing a different EPS bearer from a defaultbearer. Traffic Flow Template (TFT) indicates all packet filtersassociated with an EPS bearer. TFT is information for identifying a partof user data to transmitted and/or received, and the UE_A 10 transmitsand/or receives user data identified by TFT by using an EPS bearerassociated with TFT. Further, in other words, the UE_A 10 transmitsand/or receives user data identified by TFT by using RB associated withTFT. In addition, TFT may associate user data such as application datatransmitted and/or received with an appropriate transfer path, and maybe identification information for identifying the application data. Inaddition, the UE_A 10 may transmit and/or receive user data which is notidentified with TFT by using a default bearer. In addition, the UE_A 10may store TFT associated with a default bearer in advance.

Default Bearer is EPS bearer identification information for identifyinga default bearer associated with a PDU session. Note that an EPS bearermay be a logical communication path established between the UE_A 10 andthe PGW_A 30. Also in this case, an EPS bearer may be configuredincluding Radio Bearer (RB) established between the UE_A 10 and a basestation in the access network, and/or an access point. Furthermore, theRB and the EPS bearer may be associated one-to-one. Therefore,identification information of the RB may be associated withidentification information of the EPS bearer one-to-one, or may be thesame identification information. Note that the RB may be a SignallingRadio Bearer (SRB) and/or a Control-plane Radio bearer (CRB), or may bea Data Radio Bearer (DRB). In addition, Default Bearer may beinformation that the UE_A 10 and/or the SGW_A 35 and/or the PGW_A 30obtain from the core network_A 90 at the time of PDU sessionestablishment.

User Identity is information for identifying a subscriber. The UserIdentity may be IMSI or may be MSISDN. Furthermore, the User Identitymay be identification information other than IMSI or MSISDN. ServingNode Information is information for identifying the MME_A 40 used in aPDU session, and may be an IP address of the MME_A 40.

eNB/NextGen BS/WAG Address is an IP address of the eNB_A 45 and/or theNextGen BS_A 122 and/or the WAG_A 126. eNB/NextGen BS/WAG ID isinformation for identifying a UE in the eNB_A 45 and/or the NextGen BS_A122 and/or the WAG_A 126.

NextGen BS Address is an IP address of the NextGen BS_A 122. NextGen BSID is information for identifying a UE in the NextGen BS_A 122. WAGAddress is an IP address of the WAG_A 126. WAG ID is information foridentifying a UE in the WAG_A 126.

MME/eNB/NextGen BS/WAG Address is an IP address of the MME_A 40 and/orthe eNB_A 45 and/or the NextGen BS_A 122 and/or the WAG_A 126.MME/eNB/NextGen BS/WAG ID is information for identifying a UE in theMME_A 40 and/or the eNB_A 45 and/or the NextGen BS_A 122 and/or theWAG_A 126.

Mobility Type is information indicating granularity of mobility.Furthermore, Mobility Type may be information for indicating a type ofService Continuity, may be the information for indicating a type ofmobility supported, or may be information about handover. For example,Mobility Type may be Mobility Type corresponding to UE-initiatedhandover, may be the Mobility Type corresponding to conditions a statewhere UE-initiated handover is not allowed, or may be the Mobility Typecorresponding to a state where network-initiated handover is notallowed. Note that the Mobility Type may be Mobility Class or may beMobility level.

Handover Information is information about the handover of the UE_A 10and/or a network (the access network and/or the core network_A 90).Handover Information may be information for indicating a sort ofhandover supported, or may be handover permission information in eachstate.

Note that a type of handover supported may be handover in a 3GPP accessnetwork or a non-3GPP access network, or may be handover between a 3GPPaccess network and a non-3GPP access network. In addition, the handoverpermission information in each state may be information for indicatingto allow for handover in an active mode and/or an idle mode, or may beinformation for indicating not to allow for handover in an active modeand/or an idle mode.

Furthermore, Handover Information may be information including UEUE-initiated Handover Capability, and/or NW UE-initiated HandoverCapability, and/or UE-initiated Handover allowed, and/or NW-initiatedHandover allowed.

Note that the UE UE-initiated Handover Capability is capabilityinformation for indicating whether the UE_A 10 supports UE-initiatedhandover. Furthermore, the NW UE-initiated Handover Capability iscapability information for indicating whether a network and/or a devicein the network support UE-initiated handover.

In addition, the UE-initiated Handover allowed is information forindicating whether UE-initiated handover is allowed. The UE-initiatedHandover allowed may be information for indicating whether UE-initiatedhandover is allowed in a connected cell, and/or a tracking area, and/oran access network, or may be information for indicating whether it istemporarily allowed.

Furthermore, the NW-initiated Handover allowed is information forindicating whether network-initiated handover is allowed. TheNW-initiated Handover allowed may be information for indicating whethernetwork-initiated handover is allowed in a connected cell, and/or atracking area, and/or an access network, or may be information forindicating whether it is temporarily allowed.

The configuration of each apparatus will be described below.

1.2.1. Configuration of UE

FIG. 4A illustrates an apparatus configuration of the UE_A 10. Asillustrated in the drawing, the UE_A 10 includes a transmission and/orreception unit_A 420, a controller_A 400, and a storage unit_A 440. Thetransmission and/or reception unit_A 420 and the storage unit_A 440 areconnected to the controller_A 400 via a bus.

The controller_A 400 is a function unit for controlling the UE_A 10. Thecontroller_A 400 implements various processes by reading out andexecuting various programs stored in the storage unit_A 440.

The transmission and/or reception unit_A 420 is a function unit throughwhich the UE_A 10 connects to a base station and/or an access point inthe access network to connect to the access network. Furthermore, anexternal antenna_A 410 is connected to the transmission and/or receptionunit_A 420. To put it another way, the transmission and/or receptionunit_A 420 is a function unit through which the UE_A 10 connects to abase station and/or an access point in the access network. Moreover, thetransmission and/or reception unit_A 420 is a transmission and/orreception function unit through which the UE_A 10 transmits and/orreceives user data and/or control information to and/or from a basestation and/or an access point in the access network.

The storage unit_A 440 is a function unit for storing programs, data,and the like necessary for each operation of the UE_A 10. The storageunit_A 440 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory, a Hard DiskDrive (HDD), or the like. The storage unit_A 440 may store at leastidentification information and/or control information and/or a flagand/or a parameter included in a control message transmitted and/orreceived in a communication procedure to be described later. Asillustrated in the drawing, the storage unit_A 440 stores a UE context542. Hereinafter, information elements stored in the storage unit_A 440will be described.

First, FIG. 5B illustrates information elements included in the UEcontext stored for each UE. As illustrated in the drawing, the UEcontext stored for each UE includes an IMSI, an EMM State, a GUTI, andan ME Identity.

Moreover, the UE context stored for each UE may include a Mobility Typeand/or Handover Information.

Next, FIG. 5C illustrates a UE context for each Packet Data Unit (PDU)session stored for each PDU session. As illustrated in the drawing, theUE context for each PDU session includes an APN in Use (Data NetworkIdentifier), an Assigned Session Type (Assigned PDN Type), an IPAddress(es), and a Default Bearer.

Moreover, the UE context stored for each PDU session may include aMobility Type and/or Handover Information.

FIG. 5D illustrates the UE context for each bearer stored in the storageunit of the UE. As illustrated in the drawing, the UE context for eachbearer includes an EPS Bearer ID, a TI, and a TFT.

1.2.2. Configuration of eNB/NextGen BS/WAG

A configuration of the eNB_A 45, the NextGen BS_A 122, and the WAG_A 126will be described below. FIG. 6A illustrates an apparatus configurationof the eNB_A 45, the NextGen BS_A 122, and the WAG_A 126. As illustratedin the drawing, each of the eNB_A 45, the NextGen BS_A 122, and theWAG_A 126 includes a network connection unit_B 620, a transmissionand/or reception unit_B 630, a controller_B 600, and a storage unit_B640. The network connection unit_B 620, the transmission and/orreception unit_B 630, and the storage unit_B 640 are connected to thecontroller_B 600 via a bus.

The controller_B 600 is a function unit for controlling the eNB_A 45.The controller_B 600 implements various processes by reading out andexecuting various programs stored in the storage unit_B 640.

The network connection unit_B 620 is a function unit through which theeNB_A 45, the NextGen BS_A 122, and the WAG_A 126 connect to the MME_A40 and/or the SGW_A 35. Moreover, the network connection unit_B 620 is atransmission and/or reception unit through which the eNB_A 45, theNextGen BS_A 122, and the WAG_A 126 transmit and/or receive user dataand/or control information to and/or from the MME_A 40 and/or the SGW_A35.

The transmission and/or reception unit_B 630 is a function unit throughwhich the eNB_A 45, the NextGen BS_A 122, and the WAG_A 126 connect tothe UE_A 10. Moreover, the transmission and/or reception unit_B 630 is atransmission and/or reception function unit configured to transmitand/or receive user data and/or control information to and/or from theUE_A 10. Furthermore, an external antenna_B 610 is connected to thetransmission and/or reception unit_B 630.

The storage unit_B 640 is a function unit configured to store programs,data, and the like necessary for each operation of the eNB_A 45, theNextGen BS_A 122, and the WAG_A 126. The storage unit_B 640 includes,for example, a semiconductor memory, a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or thelike. The storage unit_B 640 may store at least identificationinformation and/or control information and/or a flag and/or a parameterincluded in a control message transmitted and/or received in thecommunication procedure to be described later. The storage unit_B 640may store these pieces of information as a UE context.

Moreover, the storage unit_B 640 may include a Mobility Type and/orHandover Information.

1.2.3. Configuration of MME

A configuration of the MME_A 40 will be described below. FIG. 7Aillustrates an apparatus configuration of the MME_A 40. As illustratedin the drawing, the MME_A 40 includes a network connection unit_C 720, acontroller_C 700, and a storage unit_C 740. The network connectionunit_C 720 and the storage unit_C 740 are connected to the controller_C700 via a bus.

The controller_C 700 is a function unit for controlling the MME_A 40.The controller_C 700 implements various processes by reading out andexecuting various programs stored in the storage unit_C 740.

The network connection unit_C 720 is a function unit through which theMME_A 40 connects to a base station in the access network and/or anaccess point in the access network and/or the SCEF_A 46 and/or the HSS_A50 and/or the SGW_A 35. Furthermore, the network connection unit_C 720is a transmission and/or reception unit through which the MME_A 40transmits and/or receives user data and/or control information to and/orfrom a base station in the access network and/or an access point in theaccess network and/or the SCEF_A 46 and/or the HSS_A 50 and/or the SGW_A35.

The storage unit_C 740 is a function unit for storing programs, data,and the like necessary for each operation of the MME_A 40. The storageunit_C 740 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory, a Hard DiskDrive (HDD), or the like. The storage unit_C 740 may store at least theidentification information and/or the control information and/or theflag and/or the parameter included in the control message transmittedand/or received in the communication procedure to be described later.

As illustrated in the drawing, the storage unit_C 740 stores an MMEcontext 1142. Hereinafter, information elements stored in the storageunit_C 740 will be described. FIG. 8B illustrates information elementsincluded in the UE context stored for each UE. As illustrated in thedrawing, the MME context stored for each UE includes an IMSI, a MSISDN,a MM State, a GUTI, a ME Identity, UE Radio Access Capability, UENetwork Capability, MS Network Capability, Access Restriction, an MMEF-TEID, a SGW F-TEID, an eNB Address, an MME UE S1AP ID, an eNB UE S1APID, a NextGen BS Address, a NextGen BS ID, a WAG Address, and a WAG ID.

Moreover, the MME context stored for each UE may include a Mobility Typeand/or Handover Information.

Next, FIG. 9C illustrates an MME context for each PDU session stored foreach PDU session. As illustrated in the drawing, the MME context foreach PDU session includes APN in Use (Data Network Identifier), anAssigned Session Type (Assigned PDN Type), an IP Address, a PGW F-TEID,a SCEF ID, and a Default Bearer.

Moreover, the MME context for each PDU session may include a MobilityType and/or Handover Information.

FIG. 9D illustrates the MME context for each bearer stored for eachbearer. As illustrated in the drawing, the MME context stored for eachbearer includes an EPS Bearer ID, a TI, TFT, a SGW F-TEID, a PGW F-TEID,an MME F-TEID, an eNB/NextGen BS/WAG Address, and an eNB/NextGen BS/WAGID. Here, the information elements included in the MME contextillustrated in FIG. 8B and FIGS. 9C and 9D may be included and stored ineither a MM context 644 or an EPS bearer context.

1.2.4. Configuration of SGW

FIG. 10A illustrates an apparatus configuration of the SGW_A 35. Asillustrated in the drawing, the SGW_A 35 includes a network connectionunit_D 1020, a controller_D 1000, and a storage unit_D 1040. The networkconnection unit_D 1020 and the storage unit_D 1040 are connected to thecontroller_D 1000 via a bus.

The controller_D 1000 is a function unit for controlling the SGW_A 35.The controller_D 1000 implements various processes by reading out andexecuting various programs stored in the storage unit_D 1040.

The network connection unit_D 1020 is a function unit through which theSGW_A 35 connects to a base station in the network and/or an accesspoint and/or the MME_A 40 and/or the PGW_A 30 and/or SGSN_A 42.Furthermore, the network connection unit_D 1020 is a transmission and/orreception unit through which the SGW_A 35 transmits and/or receives userdata and/or control information to and/or from the base station in theaccess network and/or the access point and/or the MME_A 40 and/or thePGW_A 30 and/or SGSN_A 42.

The storage unit_D 1040 is a function unit configured to store programs,data, and the like necessary for each operation of the SGW_A 35. Thestorage unit_D 1040 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory, aHard Disk Drive (HDD), or the like.

The storage unit_D 1040 may store at least the identificationinformation and/or the control information and/or the flag and/or theparameter included in the control message transmitted and/or received inthe communication procedure to be described later.

As illustrated in the drawing, the storage unit_D 1040 stores an EPSbearer context 1442. Note that the EPS bearer context includes an EPSbearer context stored for each UE, an EPS bearer context stored for eachPDU session, and an EPS bearer context stored for each bearer.

First, FIG. 11B illustrates information elements of the EPS bearercontext stored for each UE. As illustrated in the drawing, the EPSbearer context stored for each UE includes an IMSI, an ME Identity, aMSISDN, an MME F-TEID, and a SGW F-TEID.

Furthermore, the EPS bearer context includes an EPS bearer context foreach PDU session stored for each PDU session. FIG. 11C illustrates theEPS bearer context for each PDU session. As illustrated in the drawing,the EPS bearer context for each PDU session includes APN in Use (DataNetwork Identifier), an Assigned Session Type (Assigned PDN Type), aSGWF-TEID, a PGW F-TEID, a Default Bearer, and an IP Address(es).

Furthermore, the EPS bearer context includes the EPS bearer context foreach bearer. FIG. 11D illustrates the EPS bearer context for eachbearer. As illustrated in the drawing, the EPS bearer context for eachbearer includes an EPS Bearer ID, TFT, a PGW F-TEID, a SGW F-TEID, aneNB F-TEID, an MME/NextGen BS/WAG Address, and an MME/NextGen BS/WAG ID.

1.2.5. Configuration of PGW

FIG. 10A illustrates an apparatus configuration of the PGW_A 30. Asillustrated in the drawing, the PGW_A 30 includes the network connectionunit_D 1020, the controller_D 1000, and the storage unit_D 1040. Thenetwork connection unit_D 1020 and the storage unit_D 1040 are connectedto the controller_D 1000 via a bus.

The controller_D 1000 is a function unit for controlling the PGW_A 30.The controller_D 1000 implements various processes by reading out andexecuting various programs stored in the storage unit_D 1040.

The network connection unit_D 1020 is a function unit through which thePGW_A 30 connects to the SGW_A 35 and/or the PCRF_A 60 and/or the ePDG_A65 and/or the AAA_A 55 and/or the TWAG_A 74 and/or the PDN_A 5. Thenetwork connection unit_D 1020 is a transmission and/or reception unitthrough which the PGW_A 30 transmits and/or receives user data and/orcontrol information to and/or from the SGW_A 35 and/or the PCRF_A 60and/or the ePDG_A 65 and/or the AAA_A 55 and/or the TWAG_A 74 and/or thePDN_A 5.

The storage unit_D 1040 is a function unit configured to store programs,data, and the like necessary for each operation of the PGW_A 30. Thestorage unit_D 1040 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory, aHard Disk Drive (HDD), or the like.

The storage unit_D 1040 may store at least the identificationinformation and/or the control information and/or the flag and/or theparameter included in the control message transmitted and/or received inthe communication procedure to be described later.

As illustrated in the drawing, the storage unit_D 1040 stores an EPSbearer context 1642. Note that the EPS bearer context may be stored insuch a manner that an EPS bearer context stored for each UE, an EPSbearer context stored for each APN, an EPS bearer context stored foreach PDU session, and an EPS bearer context stored for each bearer areseparately stored.

FIG. 12B illustrates information elements included in the EPS bearercontext stored for each UE. As illustrated in the drawing, the EPSbearer context stored for each UE includes an IMSI, anIMSI-unauthenticated-indicator, an ME Identity, an MSISDN, and a RATtype.

Next, FIG. 12C illustrates the EPS bearer context stored for each APN.As illustrated in the drawing, the EPS bearer context stored for eachAPN of the PGW storage unit includes APN in use. Note that the EPSbearer context stored for each APN may be stored for each Data NetworkIdentifier.

Furthermore, FIG. 12D illustrates the EPS bearer context for each PDUsession stored for each PDU session. As illustrated in the drawing, theEPS bearer context for each PDU session includes an Assigned SessionType (Assigned PDN Type), an IP Address, a SGW F-TEID, a PGW F-TEID, anda Default Bearer.

Furthermore, FIG. 12E illustrates the EPS bearer context stored for eachEPS bearer. As illustrated in the drawing, the EPS bearer contextincludes an EPS Bearer ID, a TFT, a PGW F-TEID, and a SGW F-TEID.

1.2.6. Configuration of SCEF

FIG. 10A illustrates an apparatus configuration of the SCEF_A 46. Asillustrated in the drawing, the SCEF_A 46 includes a network connectionunit_D 1020, a controller_D 1000, and a storage unit_D 1040. The networkconnection unit_D 1020 and the storage unit_D 1040 are connected to thecontroller_D 1000 via a bus.

The controller_D 1000 is a function unit for controlling the SCEF_A 46.The controller_D 1000 implements various processes by reading out andexecuting various programs stored in the storage unit_D 1040. Thenetwork connection unit_D 1020 is a function unit through which theSCEF_A 46 connects to the core network_A 90. In other words, the networkconnection unit_D 1020 is a function unit through which the SCEF_A 46connects to the MME_A 40. Furthermore, the network connection unit_D1020 is a transmission and/or reception unit through which the SCEF_A 46transmits and/or receives user data and/or control information to and/orfrom the MME_A 40.

The storage unit_D 1040 is a function unit configured to store programs,data, and the like necessary for each operation of the SCEF_A 46. Thestorage unit_D 1040 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory, aHard Disk Drive (HDD), or the like. The storage unit_D 1040 may store atleast the identification information and/or the control informationand/or the flag and/or the parameter included in the control messagetransmitted and/or received in the communication procedure to bedescribed later.

As illustrated in the drawing, the storage unit_D 1040 stores an EPSbearer context 1042. Hereinafter, information elements stored in thestorage unit_D 1040 will be described. FIG. 13B illustrates informationelements included in the EPS bearer context. As illustrated in thedrawing, the EPS bearer context includes a User Identity, APN in Use(Data Network Identifier), an EPS Bearer ID, and Serving NodeInformation.

1.3. Description of Communication Procedure

Next, the communication procedure according to the present embodimentwill be described using FIG. 15. Here, before describing the detailedprocess of each procedure, in order to avoid redundant descriptions,terminology specific to the present embodiment and primaryidentification information used in each procedure will be describedbeforehand.

A first state in the present embodiment will be described with referenceto FIG. 14. The first state in the present embodiment is a state inwhich the UE_A 10 is connected and registered to the core network_A 90and each apparatus has established a PDU session. Note that eachapparatus may perform a procedure for registering the UE_A 10 to thecore network_A 90 and a procedure for establishing a PDU session at thesame time or separately.

A first access in the present embodiment may be a 3GPP access. Moreover,in the description in the present embodiment, a 3GPP access may indicatea 3GPP access network or may indicate a 3GPP access system. Note that a3GPP access system may be a radio access system for constituting various3GPP access networks.

A second access in the present embodiment may be a non-3GPP access.Moreover, in the description in the present embodiment, the non-3GPPaccess may indicate a non-3GPP access network or may indicate a non-3GPPaccess system. Note that the non-3GPP access system may be a radioaccess system for constituting various non-3GPP access networks.

Next, Access Traffic Steering refers to a procedure for selecting anoptimal access network for data flow transmission and/or reception andtransmitting and/or receiving data flow traffic via the selected accessnetwork. Note that selection of an optimal access network may beperformed based on an application or the like associated with networkload, radio signal quality, and/or a data flow. Access Traffic Steeringmay be applicable between the 3GPP access and the non-3GPP access.

Access Traffic Steering refers to a procedure for transferring trafficof all data flows in progress to another access network while keepingthe intermittency of the data flows. Access Traffic Steering may beapplicable between the first access and the second access.

Specifically, Access Traffic Steering may be function or a communicationprocedure for transmitting and/or receiving user data by selecting acommunication path via the first access or a communication path via thesecond access for each data flow of one or multiple data flowstransmitted and/or received using an IP address associated with asession. In other words, at the time of performing communication inmultiple flows for transmitting and/or receiving user data by using asingle IP address, a communication path via the first access or acommunication path via the second access can be selected for each flow.Hence, transmission and/or reception in multiple flows can be performedby using the communication path via the first access and thecommunication path via the second access at the same time at a timepoint.

Moreover, Access Traffic Splitting refers to a procedure for separatingtraffic of a single data flow into communications via multiple accessnetworks. Here, part of the traffic separated from the single data flowmay be transmitted and/or received via the first access, while the othertraffic may be transmitted and/or received via the second access. Notethat Access Traffic Splitting may be applicable between the first accessand the second access.

Specifically, Access Traffic Splitting may be function or acommunication procedure for performing communication in a single dataflow in which transmission and/or reception is performed by using an IPaddress associated with a session by using a communication path via thefirst access or a communication path via the second access. In otherwords, at the time of performing communication in multiple flows fortransmitting and/or receiving user data by using a single IP address, acommunication path via the first access and/or a communication path viathe second access can be selected for each flow. Hence, transmissionand/or reception in multiple flows can be performed by using thecommunication path via the first access and the communication path viathe second access at the same time at a time point. Note that each dataunit transmitted and/or received in communication of a single flow isdelivered by using either the first access or the second access. Inother words, a single data unit is not replicated to be deliveredthrough multiple communication paths.

A routing filter is information used to identify one or multiple IPflows for the purpose of routing and may specifically be a set ofparameters or a set of ranges of IP headers used for communication inflows.

In other words, a routing filter is information that can identify eachflow and may include a set of parameters of IP headers transmittedand/or received in flows. Note that the set of parameters of IP headersmay be information including a combination of one or more of five-tuplessuch as a source IP address, a destination IP address, a source portnumber, a destination port number, and a protocol number.

A routing access type may be information indicating a type of an accessnetwork through which transmission and/or reception in one or multipleIP flows transmittable and/or receivable in association with a sessionis performed. Note that the type of access network may be the firstaccess or the second access.

A routing rule may be information that enables association of a routingfilter and a routing access type. The routing rule may be informationassociating a routing filter and a routing access type and may beinformation that can identify a routing access type to be used fortransmission and/or reception for each of one or more flows transmittedand/or received in association with a session. Note that the UE_A 10 andthe core network can select, as a communication path for transmissionand/or reception of each flow, either the communication path via thefirst access or the communication path via the second access, based onthe routing rule.

Alternatively, the routing rule may associate multiple routing accesstypes with a routing filter and indicate that communication of a certainflow is transmitted and/or received by using multiple communicationpaths. In this case, communication can be performed by using, ascommunication paths for transmission and/or reception of a certain flow,both the communication path via the first access and the communicationpath via the second access. Note that each data unit transmitted and/orreceived in communication of a single flow is delivered by using eitherthe first access or the second access. In other words, a single dataunit is not replicated to be delivered through multiple communicationpaths. Moreover, selection of an access network or selection of acommunication path may be performed based on an application or the likeassociated with network load, radio signal quality, and/or a data flowor may be performed based on a UE policy and/or an operator policy.

A multi-access session in the present embodiment is a session that candeliver traffic via the first access or the second access, or both ofthe accesses at the same time. Note that the multi-access session mayinclude a first type multi-access session and/or a second typemulti-access session.

The first type multi-access session in the present embodiment is asession that can deliver traffic via the first access or the secondaccess, or both of the accesses at the same time. In addition, one ormultiple IP addresses may be associated with a multi-access session, andthe UE_A 10 can perform communication of multiple flows by using the IPaddresses in the multi-access session. Note that each flow is associatedwith either the first access or the second access, and communication ofeach flow is performed via an access associated at a time point.

Note that the access to be used for transmission and/or reception ofeach flow may be determined based on a routing rule. Note that therouting rule may be determined based on an operator policy and/or a UEpolicy.

Note that the first type multi-access session may be a session based onIP Flow Mobility based on network mobility protocols (NBIFOM).Additionally/Alternatively, the first type multi-access session may be asession supporting Access Traffic Switching function.

The second type multi-access session in the present embodiment is asession that can deliver traffic via the first access or the secondaccess, or both of the accesses at the same time. In addition, one ormultiple IP addresses may be associated with a multi-access session, andthe UE_A 10 can perform communication of multiple flows by using the IPaddresses in the multi-access session. Note that communication of eachflow can be performed by using either the first access or the secondaccess, or can be performed by using multiple accesses at the same timeat a time point.

Note that the second type multi-access session may be a sessionsupporting Access Traffic Splitting function. The second typemulti-access session may be a single session in which communication ofmultiple flows can be performed by using one or multiple IP addressesassociated with the session.

Note that each data unit transmitted and/or received in communication ofeach flow is delivered by using either the first access or the secondaccess. Note that the access to be used for transmission and/orreception of each data unit may be determined based on a routing rule.Note that the routing rule may be determined based on an operator policyand/or a UE policy.

Moreover, the first state in the present embodiment is a state in whicheach apparatus has established PDU sessions via the first access and thesecond access. More specifically, the first state is a state in whicheach apparatus has established a PDU session established between theUE_A 10 and the PGW_A 30 via the eNB_A 45 and the SGW_A 35 and a PDUsession established between the UE_A 10 and the PGW_A 30 via the TWAG_A74 and/or the ePDG_A 65. In other words, the first state may be a statein which each apparatus has established a multi-access session.

Next, identification information in the present embodiment will bedescribed. First identification information in the present embodiment isinformation indicating that the UE_A 10 has capability of enablingestablishment of a communication path via the first access and acommunication path via the second access in which communication can beperformed by using a single IP address. In other words, the firstidentification information may be information indicating that the UE_A10 has capability of establishing a first type multi-access sessionand/or a second type multi-access session. Alternatively, the firstidentification information may be information indicating that the UE_A10 has capability of performing communication by using a first typemulti-access session and/or a second type multi-access session.Alternatively, the first identification information may be informationindicating that the UE_A 10 has capability of performing Access TrafficSwitching and/or Access Traffic Splitting. Alternatively, the firstidentification information may be information indicating that the UE_A10 has a capability for performing communication using Access TrafficSwitching and/or Access Traffic Splitting.

Second identification information in the present embodiment may beinformation indicating that the UE_A 10 has capability of establishing afirst type multi-access session. Additionally/Alternatively, the secondidentification information may be information indicating that the UE_A10 has capability of performing communication by using a first typemulti-access session. Additionally/Alternatively, the secondidentification information may be information indicating that the UE_A10 has capability of performing Access Traffic Switching.Additionally/Alternatively, the second identification information may beinformation indicating that the UE_A 10 has capability of performingcommunication using Access Traffic Switching.Additionally/Alternatively, the second identification information may beinformation indicating that the UE_A 10 has capability of performingNBIFOM. Additionally/Alternatively, the second identificationinformation may be information indicating that the UE_A 10 hascapability of performing communication using NBIFOM.

Third identification information according to the present embodiment maybe information indicating that the UE_A 10 has capability ofestablishing a second type multi-access session.Additionally/Alternatively, the third identification information may beinformation indicating that the UE_A 10 has capability of performingcommunication by using a second type multi-access session.Additionally/Alternatively, the third identification information may beinformation indicating that the UE_A 10 has capability of performingAccess Traffic Splitting. Additionally/Alternatively, the thirdidentification information may be information indicating that the UE_A10 has capability of performing Access Traffic Splitting.

Fourth identification information in the present embodiment isinformation indicating that a network has capability of enablingestablishment of a communication path via the first access and acommunication path via the second access in which communication can beperformed by using a single IP address. In other words, the fourthidentification information may be information indicating that thenetwork has capability of establishing a first type multi-access sessionand/or a second type multi-access session. Alternatively, the fourthidentification information may be information indicating that a networkhas capability of performing communication by using a first typemulti-access session and/or a second type multi-access session.Alternatively, the fourth identification information may be informationindicating that a network has a capability of performing Access TrafficSwitching and/or Access Traffic Splitting. Alternatively, the fourthidentification information may be information indicating that a networkhas capability of performing communication using Access TrafficSwitching and/or Access Traffic Splitting.

Note that in the present embodiment, a network having capability maymean that the core network_A 90 and/or an apparatus included in the corenetwork_A 90, such as the MME_A 40 or the PGW_A 30, has the capability.

Fifth identification information according to the present embodiment maybe information indicating that a network has capability of establishinga first type multi-access session. Additionally/Alternatively, the fifthidentification information may be information indicating that a networkhas capability of performing communication by using a first typemulti-access session. Additionally/Alternatively, the fifthidentification information may be information indicating that a networkhas capability of performing Access Traffic Switching.Additionally/Alternatively, the fifth identification information may beinformation indicating that a network has capability of performingcommunication using Access Traffic Switching.Additionally/Alternatively, the fifth identification information may beinformation indicating that a network has capability of performingNBIFOM. Additionally/Alternatively, the fifth identification informationmay be information indicating that a network has capability ofperforming communication using NBIFOM.

Sixth identification information according to the present embodiment maybe information indicating that a network has capability of establishinga second type multi-access session. Additionally/Alternatively, thesixth identification information may be information indicating that anetwork has capability of performing communication by using a secondtype multi-access session. Additionally/Alternatively, the sixthidentification information may be information indicating that a networkhas capability of performing Access Traffic Splitting.Additionally/Alternatively, the sixth identification information may beinformation indicating that a network has capability of performingcommunication using Access Traffic Splitting.

Seventh identification information according to the present embodimentis information indicating that establishment of a first typemulti-access session is requested. Eighth identification informationaccording to the present embodiment is information indicating thatestablishment of a second type multi-access session is requested.

Ninth identification information according to the present embodiment isinformation indicating that establishment of a first type multi-accesssession is allowed. Additionally/Alternatively, the ninth identificationinformation may be status information indicating that a request toestablish a first type multi-access session is accepted.Additionally/Alternatively, the ninth identification information may beinformation indicating that a first type multi-access session isestablished. Additionally/Alternatively, the ninth identificationinformation may be information indicating that an established session isa first type multi-access session. Additionally/Alternatively, the ninthidentification information may be session identification informationidentifying an established session.

Tenth identification information according to the present embodiment isinformation indicating that establishment of a second type multi-accesssession is allowed. Additionally/Alternatively, the tenth identificationinformation may be status information indicating that a request toestablish a second type multi-access session is accepted.Additionally/Alternatively, the tenth identification information may beinformation indicating that a second type multi-access session isestablished. Additionally/Alternatively, the tenth identificationinformation may be information indicating that an established session isa second type multi-access session. Additionally/Alternatively, thetenth identification information may be session identificationinformation identifying an established session.

Eleventh identification information according to the present embodimentis information indicating that establishment of a first typemulti-access session is not allowed. Additionally/Alternatively, theeleventh identification information may be cause information (RejectCause) indicating that establishment of a first type multi-accesssession is not allowed. Additionally/Alternatively, the eleventhidentification information may be cause information (Reject Cause)indicating that a first type multi-access session is not supported.

Twelfth identification information according to the present embodimentis information indicating that establishment of a second typemulti-access session is not allowed. Additionally/Alternatively, thetwelfth identification information may be cause information (RejectCause) indicating that establishment of a second type multi-accesssession is not allowed. Additionally/Alternatively, the twelfthidentification information may be cause information (Reject Cause)indicating that a second type multi-access session is not supported.

Thirteenth identification information according to the presentembodiment is information requesting to modify or configure an access tobe used for communication of one or multiple flows that can be performedby using a first type multi-access session. Additionally/Alternatively,the thirteenth identification information may be information requestingto perform Access Traffic Switching function or NBIFOM function.Additionally/Alternatively, the thirteenth identification informationmay be information indicating that an access for performingcommunication using a first type multi-access session is to be modifiedor configured. Note that the thirteenth identification information mayinclude a routing rule associated with the first type multi-accesssession. Moreover, the routing rule may be a rule for the UE_A 10 torequest modification or a rule based on the UE policy.

Fourteenth identification information according to the presentembodiment is information requesting to perform or stop Access TrafficSplitting function for communication of one or multiple flows that canbe performed by using a second type multi-access session. Note that thefourteenth identification information may include a routing ruleassociated with the second type multi-access session. Moreover, therouting rule may be a rule for the UE_A 10 to request modification or arule based on the UE policy.

Fifteenth identification information according to the present embodimentis information indicating that modification or configuration of anaccess to be used for communication of one or multiple flows that can beperformed by using a first type multi-access session is allowed.Additionally/Alternatively, the fifteenth identification information maybe information indicating that Access Traffic Switching function orNBIFOM function has been performed. Additionally/Alternatively, thefifteenth identification information may be information indicating thatmodification or configuration of an access for performing communicationusing a first type multi-access session has been performed. Note thatthe fifteenth identification information may include a routing ruleassociated with the first type multi-access session. Here, the routingrule may be a routing rule that is allowed to be performed or may be arouting rule that has been performed. Moreover, the routing rule may bea rule that the UE_A 10 has requested to modify and a network hasallowed to perform or may be a rule that is allowed to be performedbased on the operator policy.

Sixteenth identification information according to the present embodimentis information indicating that execution or stop of Access TrafficSplitting function requested by the UE_A 10 for communication of one ormultiple flows that can be communicated by using a second typemulti-access session is allowed. Additionally/Alternatively, sixteenthidentification information may be information indicating that functionof Access Traffic Splitting has been performed or stopped forcommunication of one or multiple flows that can be performed by using asecond type multi-access session. Note that the sixteenth identificationinformation may include a routing rule associated with the second typemulti-access session. Here, the routing rule may be a routing rule thatis allowed to be performed or may be a routing rule that has beenperformed. Moreover, the routing rule may be a rule that the UE_A 10 hasrequested to modify and a network has allowed to perform or may be arule that is allowed to be performed based on the operator policy.

Seventeenth identification information according to the presentembodiment is information indicating that modification or configurationof an access to be used for communication of one or multiple flows thatcan be performed by using a first type multi-access session is notallowed. Additionally/Alternatively, the seventeenth identificationinformation may be information indicating that Access Traffic Switchingfunction or NBIFOM function is rejected. Additionally/Alternatively, theseventeenth identification information may be information indicatingthat modification or configuration of an access for communication usinga first type multi-access session is not performed.Additionally/Alternatively, the seventeenth identification informationmay be cause information (Reject Cause) indicating that modification orconfiguration of an access to be used for communication of one ormultiple flows is not allowed. Additionally/Alternatively, theseventeenth identification information may be cause information (RejectCause) indicating that execution of Access Traffic Switching function orNBIFOM function is rejected. Additionally/Alternatively, the seventeenthidentification information may be cause information (Reject Cause)indicating that modification or configuration of an access forperforming communication using a first type multi-access session is notperformed.

Eighteenth identification information according to the presentembodiment is information indicating that execution or stop of AccessTraffic Splitting function for communication of one or multiple flowsthat can be communicated by using a second type multi-access session isnot allowed. Additionally/Alternatively, the eighteenth identificationinformation may be information indicating rejection of execution ofAccess Traffic Splitting function requested by the UE_A 10.Additionally/Alternatively, the eighteenth identification informationmay be information indicating that modification or configuration of anaccess for performing communication using a second type multi-accesssession is not performed. Additionally/Alternatively, the eighteenthidentification information may be cause information (Reject Cause)indicating that modification or configuration of an access used forcommunication of one or multiple flows is not allowed.Additionally/Alternatively, the eighteenth identification informationmay be cause information (Reject Cause) indicating rejection ofexecution of function of Access Traffic Splitting.Additionally/Alternatively, the eighteenth identification informationmay be cause information (Reject Cause) indicating that modification orconfiguration of a routing rule for performing communication using asecond type multi-access session is not performed.

Nineteenth identification information according to the presentembodiment is information requesting to modify or configure an access tobe used for communication of one or multiple flows that can be performedby using a first type multi-access session. Additionally/Alternatively,the nineteenth identification information may be information requestingto perform Access Traffic Switching function or NBIFOM function.Additionally/Alternatively, the nineteenth identification informationmay be information indicating that an access for performingcommunication using a first type multi-access session is to be modifiedor configured. Note that the nineteenth identification information mayinclude a routing rule associated with the first type multi-accesssession. Moreover, the routing rule may be a rule for a network torequest modification or a rule based on the operator policy.

Note that in the present embodiment, a network requesting modificationmay mean that the core network_A 90 and/or an apparatus included in thecore network_A 90, such as the MME_A 40 or the PGW_A 30, requestsmodification.

Twentieth identification information according to the present embodimentis information for requesting to perform or stop Access TrafficSplitting function for communication of one or multiple flows that canbe performed by using a second type multi-access session. Note that thetwentieth identification information may include a routing ruleassociated with the second type multi-access session. Moreover, therouting rule may be a rule for a network to request modification or arule based on the operator policy.

Twenty-first identification information according to the presentembodiment is information indicating that modification or configurationof an access to be used for communication of one or multiple flows thatcan be performed by using a first type multi-access session is allowed.Additionally/Alternatively, the twenty-first identification informationmay be information indicating that Access Traffic Switching function orNBIFOM function has been performed. Additionally/Alternatively, thetwenty-first identification information may be information indicatingthat modification or configuration of an access for performingcommunication using a first type multi-access session has beenperformed. Note that the twenty-first identification information mayinclude a routing rule associated with the first type multi-accesssession. Here, the routing rule may be a routing rule that is allowed tobe performed or may be a routing rule that has been performed. Moreover,the routing rule may be a rule that the network has requested to modifyand the UE_10 has allowed to perform or may be a rule that is allowed tobe performed based on the UE policy.

Twenty-second identification information according to the presentembodiment is information indicating that execution or stop of AccessTraffic Splitting function requested by the network for communication ofone or multiple flows that can be communicated by using a second typemulti-access session is allowed. Additionally/Alternatively,twenty-second identification information may be information indicatingthat Access Traffic Splitting function has been performed or stopped forcommunication of one or multiple flows that can be performed by using asecond type multi-access session. Note that the twenty-secondidentification information may include a routing rule associated withthe second type multi-access session. Here, the routing rule may be arouting rule that is allowed to be performed or may be a routing rulethat has been performed. Moreover, the routing rule may be a rule thatthe network has requested to modify and the UE_10 has allowed to performor may be a rule that is allowed to be performed based on the UE policy.

Twenty-third identification information according to the presentembodiment is information indicating that modification or configurationof an access to be used for communication of one or multiple flows thatcan be performed by using a first type multi-access session is notallowed. Additionally/Alternatively, the twenty-third identificationinformation may be information indicating rejection of execution ofAccess Traffic Switching function or NBIFOM function.Additionally/Alternatively, the twenty-third identification informationmay be information indicating that modification or configuration of anaccess for performing communication using a first type multi-accesssession is not performed. Additionally/Alternatively, the twenty-thirdidentification information may be cause information (Reject Cause)indicating that modification or configuration of an access used forcommunication of one or multiple flows is not allowed.Additionally/Alternatively, the twenty-third identification informationmay be cause information (Reject Cause) indicating rejection ofexecution of Access Traffic Switching function or NBIFOM function.Additionally/Alternatively, the twenty-third identification informationmay be cause information (Reject Cause) indicating that modification orconfiguration of an access for performing communication using a firsttype multi-access session is not performed.

Twenty-fourth identification information according to the presentembodiment is information indicating that execution or stop of AccessTraffic Splitting function for communication of one or multiple flowsthat can be communicated by using a second type multi-access session isnot allowed. Additionally/Alternatively, the twenty-fourthidentification information may be information indicating rejection ofexecution of Access Traffic Splitting function requested by the network.Additionally/Alternatively, the twenty-fourth identification informationmay be information indicating that modification or configuration of anaccess for performing communication using a second type multi-accesssession is not performed. Additionally/Alternatively, the twenty-fourthidentification information may be cause information (Reject Cause)indicating that modification or configuration of an access used forcommunication of one or multiple flows is not allowed.Additionally/Alternatively, the twenty-fourth identification informationmay be cause information (Reject Cause) indicating rejection ofexecution of Access Traffic Splitting function.Additionally/Alternatively, the twenty-fourth identification informationmay be cause information (Reject Cause) indicating that modification orconfiguration of a routing rule for performing communication using asecond type multi-access session is not performed.

Next, the communication procedures according to the present embodimentwill be described using FIG. 15. Note that details of each of theprocedures will be described later. Each apparatus first performs theattach procedure (S2000), and the state is changed to a state in whichthe UE_A 10 has established a connection with the network. Eachapparatus then performs the PDU session establishment procedure (S2002)to change to the first state. Note that the apparatuses may exchangevarious kinds of capability information and/or various kinds of requestinformation of the apparatuses in the attach procedure and/or the PDUsession establishment procedure.

To change to the first state, each apparatus also performs an initialprocedure via the second access separately from an initial procedure(attach procedure and/or PDU session establishment procedure) via thefirst access. Note that each apparatus may perform the initial procedurevia the second access after performing the initial procedure via thefirst access or may perform the initial procedure via the first accessafter performing the initial procedure via the second access. Theapparatuses may perform exchange of various kinds of capabilityinformation and/or various kinds of request information of theapparatuses in the initial procedure via the first access or the initialprocedure via the second access, or both of the initial procedures.

Note that, in a case that the apparatuses perform exchange of variouskinds of information and/or negotiation of various requests in theattach procedure, the apparatuses may not necessarily perform exchangeof various kinds of information and/or negotiation of various requestsin the PDU session establishment procedure. On the other hand, in a casethat the apparatuses do not perform exchange of various kinds ofinformation and/or negotiation of various requests in the attachprocedure, the apparatuses may perform exchange of various kinds ofinformation and/or negotiation of various requests in the PDU sessionestablishment procedure. Alternatively, even in a case that theapparatuses perform exchange of various kinds of information and/ornegotiation of various requests in the attach procedure, the apparatusmay perform exchange of various kinds of information and/or negotiationof various requests in the PDU session establishment procedure.

For example, the apparatuses may exchange one or more pieces ofidentification information among first identification information toeighteenth identification information in the attach procedure and thePDU session establishment procedure. The apparatuses may exchange one ormore pieces of identification information among the first identificationinformation to the eighteenth identification information in the attachprocedure and not necessarily exchange the one or more pieces ofidentification information in the PDU session establishment procedure.Alternatively, each apparatus may exchange one or more pieces ofidentification information among the first identification information tothe eighteenth identification information in the PDU sessionestablishment procedure instead of the attach procedure. The apparatusesmay exchange identification information not exchanged in the attachprocedure among the first identification information to the eighteenthidentification information, in the PDU session procedure.

Moreover, each apparatus may exchange these pieces of identificationinformation in a case of managing the pieces of identificationinformation in the attach procedure in association with the UE_A 10,while each apparatus may exchange the pieces of identificationinformation in the procedure of establishing a PDU session in a case ofmanaging the pieces of identification information in association with aPDU session.

Moreover, each apparatus may perform the PDU session establishmentprocedure in the attach procedure or after completion of the attachprocedure. Note that, in a case that the PDU session establishmentprocedure is performed in the attach procedure, each apparatus mayestablish a PDU session, based on completion of the attach procedure orchange to the first state.

Next, each apparatus performs a routing rule update procedure (S2006).Note that the routing rule update procedure may be performable at anarbitrary timing as long as it is after the entry into the first state.Each apparatus may exchange various kinds of request information in therouting rule update procedure. For example, the apparatuses may exchangeone or more pieces of identification information among thirteenidentification information to twenty-fourth identification informationin the routing rule update procedure.

Through the above-described procedures, each apparatus completes thisprocedure. Note that each apparatus related to this procedure maytransmit and/or receive each control message described in thisprocedure, to thereby transmit and/or receive one or multiple pieces ofidentification information included in the control message and storeeach transmitted and/or received piece of identification information asa context.

1.3.1. Overview of Attach Procedure

First, an overview of the attach procedure will be described. Thisprocedure is a procedure for connecting to a network (the access networkand/or the core network_A 90 and/or the PDN_A 5) under the initiative ofthe UE_A 10. In a case that the UE_A 10 is not connected to the corenetwork_A 90, the UE_A 10 can perform this procedure at an arbitrarytiming, such as at the time when the terminal is turned on. In otherwords, the UE_A 10 may start this procedure at an arbitrary timing aslong as the UE_A 10 is in a deregistered state (EMM-DEREGISTERED). Eachapparatus may be changed to a registered state (EMM-REGISTERED), basedon completion of the attach procedure.

This procedure may include a procedure via the first access and aprocedure via the second access. The UE_A 10 may start this procedurevia the second access in a state of being connected to the corenetwork_A 90 via the first access or may start this procedure via thefirst access in a state of being connected to the core network_A 90 viathe second access.

Note that hereinafter this procedure via the first access will bedescribed as an example of an attach procedure, and this procedure viathe second access will be described as an example of an attach accessvia the second access.

1.3.2. Example of PDU Session Establishment Procedure

Next, an example of the PDU session establishment procedure will bedescribed. This procedure is a procedure in which each apparatusestablishes a PDU session. Note that each apparatus may perform thisprocedure in a state that the attach procedure is completed or mayperform this procedure during the attach procedure. Each apparatus maystart this procedure at an arbitrary timing after the attach procedure.Each apparatus may establish a PDU session, based on completion of thePDU session establishment procedure. Moreover, each apparatus mayestablish multiple PDU sessions by performing this procedure multipletimes.

Note that the PDU session established in this procedure may bemulti-access session. Moreover, each apparatus may perform thisprocedure multiple times to add a communication path via multipleaccesses to a single multi-access session or establish a newmulti-access session. Note that this procedure may include a procedurevia the first access and a procedure via the second access.

This procedure may be performed under the initiative of the UE_A 10. Forexample, this procedure may be performed under the initiative of theUE_A 10 at an initial connection, such as at the time when the terminalis turned on. Moreover, the UE_A 10 may start this procedure via thefirst access and/or the second access in a state of being connected tothe core network_A 90 via the first and/or the second access.

Note that each apparatus may perform this procedure via the secondaccess in a state of having established a multi-access session via thefirst access, to add a communication path via the second access to themulti-access session or to enable communication using a communicationpath via the first access and a communication path via the second accessto be performed.

Moreover, each apparatus may perform this procedure via the first accessin a state of having established a multi-access session via the secondaccess, to add a communication path via the first access to themulti-access session or to enable communication using a communicationpath via the first access and a communication path via the second accessto be performed.

Each apparatus may perform this procedure via the first access and/orthe second access in a state of having not established a multi-accesssession, to establish a new multi-access session.

Note that a condition for a communication path via a new access beingadded to a multi-access session and/or a condition for a newmulti-access session being established is not limited to these.Hereinafter, this procedure via the first access will be described as anexample of a UE-initiated PDU session procedure, and this procedure viathe second access will be described as an example of a UE-initiated PDUsession establishment procedure via the second access.

1.3.2.1. Example of UE-Initiated PDU Session Establishment Procedure

With reference to FIG. 17, a description will be given of an example ofa process for performing the PDU session establishment procedure underthe initiative of the UE_A 10. Steps of this procedure will be describedbelow. First, the UE_A 10 transmits a PDU session establishment requestmessage to the MME_A 40 via the eNB_A 45 and starts the UE-initiated PDUsession establishment procedure (S2200).

Note that this procedure may be an example of the UE-initiated PDUsession establishment procedure via the first access. Here, the UE_A 10may include, in the PDU session establishment request message, at leastone or more pieces of identification information among the firstidentification information, the second identification information, thethird identification information, the seventh identificationinformation, the eighth identification information, the thirteenthidentification information, and the fourteenth identificationinformation, or may include these pieces of identification informationin the message to request to establish a multi-access session.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the firstidentification information and/or the second identification informationand/or the seventh identification information and/or the thirteenthidentification information to request establishment of a first typemulti-access session, request to perform communication using AccessTraffic Switching, or request to perform communication using NBIFOM.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the firstidentification information and/or the second identification informationand/or the seventh identification information and/or the thirteenthidentification information to indicate that the UE_A 10 supports AccessTraffic Switching or request to establish a PDU session supportingAccess Traffic Switching.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the thirteenthidentification information to request to configure an access forperforming communication using a first type multi-access session and/orto configure a routing rule corresponding to a first type multi-accesssession.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the firstidentification information and/or the third identification informationand/or the eighth identification information and/or the fourteenthidentification information to request to establish a second typemulti-access session or request to perform communication using AccessTraffic Splitting.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the firstidentification information and/or the third identification informationand/or the eighth identification information and/or the fourteenthidentification information to indicate that the UE_A 10 supports AccessTraffic Splitting or request to establish a PDU session supportingAccess Traffic Splitting.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the fourteenthidentification information to request to perform or not to perform theAccess Traffic Splitting function for each flow or request to configurea routing rule corresponding to a second type multi-access session.

Moreover, in a case of having already established a multi-accesssession, the UE_A 10 may include, in a PDU session establishment requestmessage, information indicating that this is not an initial requestand/or the APN used in the multi-access session to request to add acommunication path via the first access to the already establishedmulti-access session. Note that the information indicating that this isnot an initial request may be information indicating that this is ahandover.

Alternatively, the UE_A 10 may transmit information indicating that thisis an initial request in a PDU session establishment request message ormay include these pieces of identification information in a PDU sessionestablishment request message to request to establish a new multi-accesssession via the first access.

The MME_A 40 receives a PDU session establishment request message toevaluate the first condition. In a case that the first condition istrue, the MME_A 40 starts a procedure (A) of this procedure; in a casethat the first condition is false, the MME_A 40 starts a procedure (B)of this procedure.

Steps of the procedure (A) of this procedure will be described below.The MME_A 40 performs a procedure (C) of this procedure and starts theprocedure (A) of this procedure. Moreover, each step of the procedure(C) of this procedure will be described below. The MME_A 40 performssecond condition evaluation and starts the procedure (C) of thisprocedure. In a case that the second condition is true, the MME_A 40 maytransmit a create session request message to the SGW_A 35 (S2202). Incontrast, in a case that the second condition is false, the MME_A 40 maytransmit a create session request message to the SCEF_A 46 (S2210). Notethat steps in a case that the first condition is false will be describedlater.

Here, the first condition evaluation is for evaluating whether or notthe MME_A 40 is to accept the request from the UE_A 10. The firstcondition being true may be a case of accepting the request from theUE_A 10, that is, a case that the request from the UE_A 10 is allowed.Moreover, the first condition being false may be a case of rejecting therequest from the UE_A 10, that is, a case of not judging that the firstcondition is true.

The second condition evaluation is for the MME_A 40 to determine thetype of a PDU session to be established. The second condition being truemay be a case that the PDU session to be established is a first type PDUsession, and may be a case that the UE_A 10 has requested to establish afirst type PDU session and the MME_A 40 has allowed the request and/or acase that the MME_A 40 has determined to establish a first type PDUsession. Moreover, the second condition being false may be a case thatthe PDU session to be established is a second type PDU session, and maybe a case that the UE_A 10 has requested establishment of a second typePDU session and the MME_A 40 has allowed the request and/or a case thatthe MME_A 40 has determined to establish a second type PDU session, andmay be a case of not judging that the second condition is true.

Here, the first type PDU session is connectivity between the UE_A 10 andthe DN via the eNB_A 45 and/or the SGW_A 35 and/or the PGW_A 30, and thesecond type PDU session is connectivity between the UE_A 10 and the DNvia the eNB_A 45 and/or the MME_A 40 and/or the SCEF_A 46.

Note that, in a case of receiving the create session request message,the SGW_A 35 transmits the create session request message to the PGW_A30 (S2204). Moreover, the PGW_A 30 receives the create session requestmessage and evaluates the third condition.

Here, the MME_A 40 and/or the SGW_A 35 may include, in the createsession request message, one or more pieces of identificationinformation among the first identification information, the secondidentification information, the third identification information, theseventh identification information, the eighth identificationinformation, the thirteenth identification information, and thefourteenth identification information, or information indicating whetheror not this is an initial request and/or an APN, or may include thesepieces of identification information in the message to transfer therequest from the UE_A 10.

The third condition evaluation may be performed by the PCRF_A 60 insteadof the PGW_A 30. In this case, the PGW_A 30 performs the IP-CAN sessionestablishment procedure with the PCRF_A 60. More specifically, the PGW_A30 transmits a request message in the IP-CAN session establishmentprocedure to the PCRF_A 60. Moreover, the PCRF_A 60 receives the requestmessage in the IP-CAN session establishment procedure, evaluates thethird condition, and transmits a response message in the IP-CAN sessionestablishment procedure to the PGW_A 30. Moreover, the PGW_A 30 receivesthe response message in the IP-CAN session establishment procedure andrecognizes a result of the third condition evaluation.

Here, the PGW_A 30 may include, in the request message in the IP-CANsession establishment procedure, at least one or more pieces ofidentification information among the first identification information,the second identification information, the third identificationinformation, the seventh identification information, the eighthidentification information, the thirteenth identification information,and the fourteenth identification information, or information indicatingwhether or not this is an initial request, or may include these piecesof identification information in the request message to transfer therequest from the UE_A 10.

The PCRF_A 60 may include at least the result of the third informationevaluation in a response message in the IP-CAN session establishmentprocedure or may include this result in the message to notify the PGW_A30 of the result of the third condition evaluation.

Moreover, the PCRF_A 60 may include, in the response message in theIP-CAN session establishment procedure, one or more pieces ofidentification information among the fourth identification information,the fifth identification information, the sixth identificationinformation, the ninth identification information, the tenthidentification information, the fifteenth identification information,and the sixteenth identification information, or may include thesepieces of identification information in the message to indicate that therequest from the UE_A 10 is allowed.

The PCRF_A 60 may include, in the response message in the IP-CAN sessionestablishment procedure, one or more pieces of identificationinformation among the eleventh identification information, the twelfthidentification information, the seventeenth identification information,and the eighteenth identification information, or may include thesepieces of identification information in the message to indicate that therequest from the UE_A 10 is rejected.

In a case that the third condition is true, the PGW_A 30 transmits asession generation response message to the SGW_A 35 (S2206). Moreover,the SGW_A 35 receives the session generation response message andtransmits the session generation response message to the MME_A 40(S2208). Moreover, the MME_A 40 receives the session generation responsemessage.

The PGW_A 30 and/or the SGW_A 35 may include, in the session generationresponse message, one or more pieces of identification information amongthe fourth identification information, the fifth identificationinformation, the sixth identification information, the ninthidentification information, the tenth identification information, thefifteenth identification information, and the sixteenth identificationinformation, or an APN and/or an IP address, or include these pieces ofidentification information in the message to indicate that the requestfrom the UE_A 10 is allowed.

In a case that the third condition is false, the PGW_A 30 transmits acreate session reject message to the SGW_A 35 (S2206). Moreover, theSGW_A 35 receives the create session reject message and transmits thecreate session reject message to the MME_A 40 (S2208). Note that thecreate session reject message may be a session generation responsemessage including a reject cause.

The PGW_A 30 and/or the SGW_A 35 may include, in the create sessionreject message, one or more pieces of identification information amongthe eleventh identification information, the twelfth identificationinformation, the seventeenth identification information, and theeighteenth identification information, or may include these pieces ofidentification information in the message to indicate that the requestfrom the UE_A 10 is rejected.

In a case of receiving the create session request message, the SCEF_A 46evaluates the third condition. In a case that the third condition istrue, the SCEF_A 46 transmits a session generation response message tothe MME_A 40 (S2212). The MME_A 40 receives the session generationresponse message. Otherwise, the SCEF_A 46 transmits a create sessionreject message to the MME_A 40 (S2212). Each apparatus completes theprocedure (C) of this procedure, based on reception of the sessiongeneration response message and/or the create session reject message.

Note that the third condition evaluation is for evaluating whether ornot the PGW_A 30 and/or the SCEF_A 46 is to accept the request from theUE_A 10. The third condition being true may be a case of accepting therequest from the UE_A 10, that is, a case that the request from the UE_A10 is allowed. Moreover, the third condition being false may be a caseof rejecting the request from the UE_A 10, that is, a case of notjudging that the third condition is true, and a case of not judging thatthe third condition is true.

Note that, in a case that the PCRF_A 60 performs the third conditionevaluation, the PGW_A 30 may perform the third condition evaluation,based on a result of the third condition evaluation received from thePCRF_A 60. For example, in a case that the PCRF_A 60 accepts the requestfrom the UE_A 10, the PCRF_A 60 and the PGW_A 30 may judge that thethird condition is true; in a case that the PCRF_A 60 rejects therequest from the UE_A 10, the PCRF_A 60 and the PGW_A 30 may judge thatthe third condition is false.

The MME_A 40 transmits the PDU session establishment accept message tothe eNB_A 45, based on reception of the session generation responsemessage (S2214). Note that, in a case of receiving the create sessionreject message, the MME_A 40 may start the procedure (B) of thisprocedure instead of continuing the procedure (A) of this procedure.

The eNB_A 45 receives the PDU session establishment accept message andtransmits an RRC connection reconfiguration request message and/or a PDUsession establishment accept message to the UE_A 10 (S2216). Note thatthe PDU session establishment accept message may be transmitted and/orreceived in an RRC connection reconfiguration request message.

Here, the MME_A 40 may include, in the PDU session establishment acceptmessage, at least one or more pieces of identification information amongthe fourth identification information, the fifth identificationinformation, the sixth identification information, the ninthidentification information, the tenth identification information, thefifteenth identification information, and the sixteenth identificationinformation, or an APN and/or an IP address, or may include these piecesof identification information in the message to indicate that therequest from the UE_A 10 is accepted or that establishment of amulti-access session is allowed.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the fourthidentification information and/or the fifth identification informationand/or the ninth identification information and/or the fifteenthidentification information to indicate that the request to establish afirst type multi-access session is accepted, indicate that a request toperform communication using Access Traffic Switching is accepted, orindicate a request to perform communication using NBIFOM is accepted.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the fourth identificationinformation and/or the fifth identification information and/or the ninthidentification information and/or the fifteenth identificationinformation to indicate that the network supports Access TrafficSwitching or indicate that a PDU session supporting Access TrafficSwitching is established.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the fifteenthidentification information to indicate that an access for performingcommunication using a first type multi-access session is configured orthat a routing rule corresponding to a first type multi-access sessionis configured.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the fourthidentification information and/or the sixth identification informationand/or the tenth identification information and/or the sixteenthidentification information to indicate that a request to establish asecond type multi-access session is accepted or indicate that a requestto perform communication using Access Traffic Splitting is accepted.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the fourth identificationinformation and/or the sixth identification information and/or the tenthidentification information and/or the sixteenth identificationinformation to indicate that the network supports Access TrafficSplitting or indicate that a PDU session supporting Access TrafficSplitting is established.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the sixteenthidentification information to indicate whether or not the Access TrafficSplitting function is performed for each flow or indicate that a routingrule corresponding to a second type multi-access session is configured.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the same APN and/or IPaddress as that of the multi-access session already established beforestarting of this procedure, to indicate that a communication path viathe first access is added to the multi-access session. In contrast, eachapparatus may transmit and/or receive a new APN and/or IP address toindicate that a new multi-access session via the first access isestablished.

In a case of receiving an RRC connection reconfiguration requestmessage, the UE_A 10 transmits the RRC connection reconfigurationrequest message to the eNB_A 45 (S2218). The eNB_A 45 receives an RRCconnection reconfiguration request message, and transmits a bearerconfiguration message to the MME_A 40 (S2220). Moreover, the MME_A 40receives the bearer configuration message.

In a case of receiving a PDU session establishment accept message, theUE_A 10 transmits a PDU session establishment complete message to theMME_A 40 via the eNB_A 45 (S2222) (S2224). Moreover, the MME_A 40receives a PDU session establishment complete message to start aprocedure (D) of this procedure.

Steps of the procedure (D) of this procedure will be described below. Ina case that the second condition is true, the MME_A 40 transmits amodify bearer request message to the SGW_A 35 and starts the procedure(D) of this procedure (S2226). Moreover, the SGW_A 35 receives themodify bearer request message and transmits a Modify Bearer Responsemessage to the MME_A 40 (S2228). Moreover, the MME_A 40 receives theModify Bearer Response message and completes the procedure (D) of thisprocedure. Moreover, each apparatus completes the procedure (A) of thisprocedure, based on transmission and/or reception of the PDU sessionestablishment complete message and/or completion of the procedure (D) ofthis procedure.

Next, steps of the procedure (B) of this procedure will be described.The MME_A 40 transmits a PDU session establishment reject message to theUE_A 10 via the eNB_A 45 and starts the procedure (B) of this procedure(S2230). Moreover, the UE_A 10 receives the PDU session establishmentreject message and recognizes that the request from the UE_A 10 isrejected. Each apparatus completes the procedure (B) of this procedure,based on transmission and/or reception of the PDU session establishmentreject message.

The MME_A 40 may include, in the PDU session establishment rejectmessage, one or more pieces of identification information among theeleventh identification information, the twelfth identificationinformation, the seventeenth identification information, and theeighteenth identification information, include these pieces ofidentification information to indicate that the request from the UE_A 10is rejected, indicate that the connection destination network does notsupport establishment of a multi-access session, or indicate thatestablishment of a multi-access session is not allowed.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the eleventhidentification information and/or the seventeenth identificationinformation to indicate that the request to establish a first typemulti-access session is rejected, indicate that the request to performcommunication using Access Traffic Switching is rejected, indicate thatthe request to perform communication using NBIFOM is rejected, or makenotification about a cause of rejection of each request.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the seventeenthidentification information to indicate that configuration of an accessfor performing communication using a first type multi-access session isnot allowed or indicate that configuration of a routing rulecorresponding to a first type multi-access session is not allowed.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the twelfth identificationinformation and/or the eighteenth identification information to indicatethat the request to establish a second type multi-access session isrejected, indicate that the request to perform communication usingAccess Traffic Splitting is rejected, or make notification about a causeof rejection of each request.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the eighteenthidentification information to indicate that execution of the AccessTraffic Splitting function is not allowed for each flow or indicate thatconfiguration of a routing rule corresponding to a second typemulti-access session is not allowed.

Each apparatus completes this procedure, based on completion of theprocedure (A) or (B) of this procedure. Note that each apparatus maychange to a state in which a PDU session is established, based oncompletion of the procedure (A) of this procedure or may recognize thatthis procedure is rejected, based on completion of the procedure (B) ofthis procedure.

Moreover, each apparatus may establish a multi-access session, based oncompletion of this procedure. Specifically, each apparatus may establisha multi-access session in a case of transmitting and/or receiving one ormore pieces of identification information among the fourthidentification information, the fifth identification information, thesixth identification information, the ninth identification information,the tenth identification information, the fifteenth identificationinformation, and the sixteenth identification information, and may notnecessarily establish a multi-access session in a case of transmittingand/or receiving one or more pieces of identification information amongthe eleventh identification information, the twelfth identificationinformation, the seventeenth identification information, and theeighteenth identification information. Moreover, each apparatus mayestablish a multi-access session to enable communication using acommunication path via the first access and a communication path via thesecond access to be performed.

Moreover, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the fourthidentification information and/or the fifth identification informationand/or the ninth identification information and/or the fifteenthidentification information, each apparatus may establish a first typemulti-access session or establish a PDU session supporting AccessTraffic Switching. Moreover, in a case of transmitting and/or receivingthe fourth identification information and/or the fifth identificationinformation and/or the ninth identification information and/or thefifteenth identification information, each apparatus may recognize thatthe established PDU session is a first type multi-access session orrecognize that Access Traffic Switching and/or NBIFOM is applied to theestablished PDU session.

In a case of transmitting and/or receiving the fourth identificationinformation and/or the sixth identification information and/or the tenthidentification information and/or the sixteenth identificationinformation, each apparatus may establish a second type multi-accesssession or recognize that the established PDU session is a second typemulti-access session. Moreover, in a case of transmitting and/orreceiving the fourth identification information and/or the sixthidentification information and/or the tenth identification informationand/or the sixteenth identification information, each apparatus mayestablish a PDU session supporting Access Traffic Splitting or recognizethat Access Traffic Splitting is applied to the established PDU session.

Moreover, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the fifteenthidentification information, each apparatus may recognize and store anaccess and/or a routing rule to be used in the established PDU session.Moreover, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the sixteenthidentification information, each apparatus may recognize and storeinformation indicating whether or not the Access Traffic Splittingfunction is performed for each flow of user data to be transmittedand/or received and/or a routing rule to be used in the established PDUsession.

Moreover, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the eleventhidentification information and/or the seventeenth identificationinformation, each apparatus may recognize that configuration of anaccess for performing communication using a first type multi-accesssession is not allowed or recognize that configuration of a routing rulecorresponding to a first type multi-access session is not allowed.

Moreover, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the twelfthidentification information and/or the eighteenth identificationinformation, each apparatus may recognize that the Access TrafficSplitting function is not allowed for each flow or recognize thatconfiguration of a routing rule corresponding to a second typemulti-access session is not allowed.

Moreover, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving one or more piecesof identification information among the eleventh identificationinformation, the twelfth identification information, the seventeenthidentification information, and the eighteenth identificationinformation, each apparatus may recognize that the request from the UE_A10 is rejected or recognize a cause of rejection of the request from theUE_A 10. Moreover, each apparatus may perform this procedure again basedon the cause of rejection of the request from the UE_A 10.

Moreover, each apparatus may determine whether a communication path viathe first access is added to the multi-access session alreadyestablished before starting of this procedure or a new multi-accesssession via the first access is established, based on completion of thisprocedure.

For example, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the same APNand/or IP address as that of the already-established multi-accesssession, each apparatus may recognize that a communication path via thefirst access is added to the already-established multi-access session.In a case of transmitting and/or receiving a different APN and/or IPaddress from that of the already-established multi-access session, eachapparatus may recognize that a new multi-access session via the firstaccess is established.

The above-described first to third condition evaluation may be performedbased on identification information included in a PDU sessionestablishment request message and/or subscribed information and/or anoperator policy. Conditions for determining whether each of the first tothird conditions is true or false may not necessarily be limited to theabove-described conditions.

For example, the first condition and/or the third condition may be truein a case that the UE_A 10 requests establishment of a multi-accesssession and the network allows the request. The first condition and/orthe third condition may be false in a case that the UE_A 10 requestsestablishment of a multi-access session and the network does not allowthe request. Moreover, the first condition and/or the third conditionmay be false in a case that the connection destination network of theUE_A 10 and/or an apparatus in the network does not supportestablishment of a multi-access session.

More specifically, the first condition and/or the third condition may betrue in a case that the request from the UE_A 10 to establish a firsttype and/or second type multi-access session is accepted, and may befalse in a case that the request is not accepted.

Moreover, the first condition and/or the third condition may be true ina case that the type of access and/or a routing rule requested from theUE_A 10 to be used in a multi-access session is accepted, and may befalse in a case that the type of access and/or a routing rule is notaccepted.

Moreover, the first condition and/or the third condition may be true ina case that the request from the UE_A 10 to enable or not to enable theAccess Traffic Switching function and/or the NBIFOM function and/or theAccess Traffic Splitting function is accepted, and may be false in acase that the request is not accepted.

1.3.2.2. Example of UE-Initiated PDU Session Establishment Procedure ViaSecond Access

With reference to FIG. 18, a description will be given of an example ofa process for performing a PDU session establishment procedure via thesecond access under the initiative of the UE_A 10. Steps of thisprocedure will be described below. First, the UE_A 10 performs aprocedure for establishing a security association with an access networkand/or the core network_A 90 (S2300). Note that, in a case that asecurity association with the network has already been established, theUE_A 10 may detail a security association procedure.

Next, the UE_A 10 transmits a control message to an apparatus in theaccess network. Specifically, in a case that the connection destinationaccess network is a second access and/or the WLAN ANa 70, the UE_A 10transmits a PDU session establishment request message to the TWAG_A 74(S2302). In a case that the connection destination access network is asecond access and/or the WLAN ANb 75, the UE_A 10 transmits an IKE_AUTHrequest message to the ePDG_A 65 (S2302).

Note that this procedure may be an example of the UE-initiated PDUsession establishment procedure via the second access. Here, the UE_A 10may include, in the PDU session establishment request message and/or theIKE_AUTH request message, at least one or more pieces of identificationinformation among the first identification information, the secondidentification information, the third identification information, theseventh identification information, the eighth identificationinformation, the thirteenth identification information, and thefourteenth identification information, or may include these pieces ofidentification information in the message to request to establish amulti-access session.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive one or more piecesof identification information among the first identificationinformation, the second identification information, the thirdidentification information, the seventh identification information, theeighth identification information, the thirteenth identificationinformation, and the fourteenth identification information to perform asimilar operation to that of a corresponding one of apparatuses in theabove-described UE-initiated PDU session establishment procedure.

Moreover, in a case that a multi-access session is already established,the UE_A 10 may include, in the PDU session establishment requestmessage and/or the IKE_AUTH request message, information indicating thatthis is not an initial request and/or the APN used in the multi-accesssession, to request to add a communication path via the second access tothe already-established multi-access session. Note that the informationindicating that this is not an initial request may be informationindicating that this is a handover.

Alternatively, the UE_A 10 may transmit, in the PDU sessionestablishment request message and/or the IKE_AUTH request message,information that this is an initial request or may include theidentification information in the message to request to establish a newmulti-access session via the second access.

In a case that the connection destination of the UE_A 10 is a secondaccess and/or the WLAN ANa 70, the TWAG_A 74 receives the PDU sessionestablishment request message and evaluates the first condition. In acase that the connection destination of the UE_A 10 is a second accessand/or the WLAN ANb 75, the ePDG_A 65 receives an IKE_AUTH requestmessage and evaluates the first condition. In a case that the firstcondition is true, the TWAG_A 74 and/or the ePDG_A 65 starts theprocedure (A) of this procedure; in a case that the first condition isfalse, the TWAG_A 74 and/or the ePDG_A 65 starts the procedure (B) ofthis procedure.

Steps of the procedure (A) of this procedure will be described below.The TWAG_A 74 and/or the ePDG_A 65 transmits a create session requestmessage to the PGW_A 30 and starts the procedure (A) of this procedure(S2304). Moreover, the PGW_A 30 receives the create session requestmessage and evaluates the third condition.

Here, the TWAG_A 74 and/or the ePDG_A 65 may include, in the createsession request message, one or more pieces of identificationinformation among the first identification information, the secondidentification information, the third identification information, theseventh identification information, the eighth identificationinformation, the thirteenth identification information, and thefourteenth identification information, include information indicatingwhether or not this is an initial request and/or an APN in the message,or include these pieces of identification information in the message totransfer the request from the UE_A 10.

The third condition evaluation may be performed by the PCRF_A 60 insteadof the PGW_A 30, as in the above-described example of the UE-initiatedPDU session establishment procedure. Therefore, description of the stepsis omitted.

In a case that the third condition is true, the PGW_A 30 transmits asession generation response message to the transmission source of thecreate session request message (S2306). Moreover, the transmissionsource of the create session request message receives the sessiongeneration response message. Note that the transmission source of thecreate session request message may be the TWAG_A 74 or the ePDG_A 65.

The PGW_A 30 may include, in the session generation response message,one or more pieces of identification information among the fourthidentification information, the fifth identification information, thesixth identification information, the ninth identification information,the tenth identification information, the fifteenth identificationinformation, and the sixteenth identification information, indicate anAPN and/or an IP address, or include these pieces of identificationinformation in the message to indicate that the request from the UE_A 10is allowed.

In a case that the third condition is false, the PGW_A 30 transmits acreate session reject message to the transmission source of the createsession request message (S2306). Moreover, the transmission source ofthe create session request message receives the create session rejectmessage. Note that the create session reject message may be a sessiongeneration response message including a reject cause.

The PGW_A 30 may include, in the create session reject message, one ormore pieces of identification information among the eleventhidentification information, the twelfth identification information, theseventeenth identification information, and the eighteenthidentification information, or may include these pieces ofidentification information in the message to indicate that the requestfrom the UE_A 10 is rejected.

Note that the third condition evaluation is for evaluating whether ornot the PGW_A 30 and/or the PCRF_A 60 is to accept the request from theUE_A 10. The third condition evaluation may be similar to that in theabove-described example of the UE-initiated PDU session establishmentprocedure. Therefore, description of the steps is omitted.

Next, in a case of receiving a session generation response message, theTWAG_A 74 transmits the PDU session establishment accept message to theUE_A 10 (S2308). Alternatively, in a case of receiving a sessiongeneration response message, the ePDG_A 65 transmits an IKE_AUTHresponse message to the UE_A 10 (S2308). Note that, in a case ofreceiving the create session reject message, the TWAG_A 74 and/or theePDG_A 65 may start the procedure (B) of this procedure instead ofcontinuing the procedure (A) of this procedure.

Here, the TWAG_A 74 may include, in the PDU session establishment acceptmessage, at least one or more pieces of identification information amongthe fourth identification information, the fifth identificationinformation, the sixth identification information, the ninthidentification information, the tenth identification information, thefifteenth identification information, and the sixteenth identificationinformation, indicate an APN and/or an IP address, or include thesepieces of identification information in the message to indicate that therequest from the UE_A 10 is allowed or that establishment of amulti-access session is allowed.

The ePDG_A 65 may include, in the IKE_AUTH response message, at leastone or more pieces of identification information among the fourthidentification information, the fifth identification information, thesixth identification information, the ninth identification information,the tenth identification information, the fifteenth identificationinformation, and the sixteenth identification information, indicate anAPN and/or an IP address, or include these pieces of identificationinformation in the message to indicate that the request from the UE_A 10is allowed or that establishment of a multi-access session is allowed.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive one or more piecesof identification information among the fourth identificationinformation, the fifth identification information, the sixthidentification information, the ninth identification information, thetenth identification information, the fifteenth identificationinformation, and the sixteenth identification information to perform asimilar operation to that of a corresponding one of apparatuses in theabove-described UE-initiated PDU session establishment procedure.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the same APN and/or IPaddress as that of the multi-access session already established beforestarting of this procedure, to indicate that a communication path viathe second access is added to the multi-access session. In contrast,each apparatus may transmit and/or receive a new APN and/or IP addressto indicate that a new multi-access session via the second access isestablished.

The UE_A 10 receives the PDU session establishment accept message and/orthe IKE_AUTH response message and completes the procedure (A) of thisprocedure.

Next, steps of the procedure (B) of this procedure will be described. Ina case of receiving a PDU session establishment request message and/or acreate session reject message, the TWAG_A 74 transmits a PDU sessionestablishment reject message to the UE_A 10 (S2310). Alternatively, in acase of receiving an IKE_AUTH request message and/or a create sessionreject message, the ePDG_A 65 transmits an IKE_AUTH response message tothe UE_A 10 (S2310).

The TWAG_A 74 may include, in the PDU session establishment rejectmessage, one or more pieces of identification information among theeleventh identification information, the twelfth identificationinformation, the seventeenth identification information, and theeighteenth identification information, to indicate that the request fromthe UE_A 10 is rejected, indicate that the connection destinationnetwork does not support establishment of a multi-access session, orindicate that establishment of a multi-access session is not allowed.

The ePDG_A 65 may include, in the IKE_AUTH response message, one or morepieces of identification information among the eleventh identificationinformation, the twelfth identification information, the seventeenthidentification information, and the eighteenth identificationinformation, to indicate that the request from the UE_A 10 is rejected,indicate that the connection destination network does not supportestablishment of a multi-access session, or indicate that establishmentof a multi-access session is not allowed.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive one or more piecesof identification information among the eleventh identificationinformation, the twelfth identification information, the seventeenthidentification information, and the eighteenth identificationinformation, to perform a similar operation as that of a correspondingone of apparatuses in the above-described UE-initiated PDU sessionestablishment procedure.

The UE_A 10 receives the PDU session establishment reject message and/orthe IKE_AUTH response message and completes the procedure (B) of thisprocedure.

Each apparatus completes this procedure, based on completion of theprocedure (A) or (B) of this procedure. Note that each apparatus maychange to a state in which a PDU session is established, based oncompletion of the procedure (A) of this procedure or may recognize thatthis procedure is rejected, based on completion of the procedure (B) ofthis procedure.

Moreover, each apparatus may perform a similar operation as that of acorresponding apparatus in the above-described UE-initiated PDU sessionestablishment procedure, based on completion of this procedure. Eachapparatus may determine whether a communication path via the secondaccess is added to the multi-access session already established beforestarting of this procedure or a new multi-access session via the secondaccess is established, based on completion of this procedure.

For example, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the same APNand/or IP address to that of the already-established multi-accesssession, each apparatus may recognize that a communication path via thesecond access has been added to the multi-access session. In a case oftransmitting and/or receiving a different APN and/or IP address fromthat of the multi-access session, each apparatus may recognize that anew multi-access session via the second access is established.

The first condition evaluation and/or the third condition evaluation maybe the similar to that in the above-described example of theUE-initiated PDU session establishment procedure.

1.3.3. Attach Procedure Example

Using FIG. 16, an example of procedure for performing an attachprocedure will be described. Steps of this procedure will be describedbelow. At first, the UE_A 10 transmits an attach request message to theMME_A 40 via the eNB_A 45, and starts an attach procedure (S2100). TheUE_A 10 may include and transmit the above-mentioned PDU sessionestablishment request message in the attach request message, or mayrequire to perform a PDU session establishment procedure during theattach procedure by including the PDU session establishment requestmessage.

Note that the present procedure may be an attach procedure example via afirst access. Here, the UE_A 10 may include, in the attach requestmessage, at least one or more identification information of the firstidentification information, the second identification information, thethird identification information, the seventh identificationinformation, the eighth identification information, the thirteenthidentification information, and the fourteenth identificationinformation, or may indicate that the UE_A 10 supports establishment ofa multiaccess session by including these pieces of identificationinformation.

Furthermore, by transmitting and/or receiving the first identificationinformation, and/or the second identification information, and/or theseventh identification information, and/or the thirteenth identificationinformation, each device may indicate that the UE_A 10 supportsestablishment of the first type of the multiaccess session, or mayindicate that the UE_A 10 supports communication using Access TrafficSwitching, or may indicate that the UE_A 10 supports communication usingNBIFOM.

Furthermore, by transmitting and/or receiving the first identificationinformation, and/or the second identification information, and/or theseventh identification information, and/or the thirteenth identificationinformation, each device may indicate that the UE_A 10 supports AccessTraffic Switching, or may indicate that the UE_A 10 supportsestablishment of a PDU session supporting Access Traffic Switching.

Furthermore, each device may indicate an access capable of communicationusing the first type of the multiaccess session and/or a routing rulecorresponding to the first type the multiaccess session configurable bythe UE_A 10 by transmitting and/or receiving the thirteenthidentification information.

In addition, by transmitting and/or receiving the first identificationinformation, and/or the third identification information, and/or theeighth identification information, and/or the fourteenth identificationinformation, each device may indicate that the UE_A 10 supportsestablishment of the second type of the multiaccess session, or mayindicate that the UE_A 10 supports communication using Access TrafficSplitting.

Furthermore, by transmitting and/or receiving the first identificationinformation, and/or the third identification information, and/or theeighth identification information, and/or the fourteenth identificationinformation, each device may indicate that the UE_A 10 supports AccessTraffic Splitting, or may indicate that the UE_A 10 supportsestablishment of a PDU session supporting Access Traffic Splitting.

Furthermore, by transmitting and/or receiving the fourteenthidentification information, each device may indicate whether a functionof Access Traffic Splitting can be performed to each flow, or mayindicate a routing rule corresponding to the second type of themultiaccess session configurable by the UE_A 10.

Note that UE_A 10 may include and transmit these pieces ofidentification information in a different control message from theattach request. For example, the UE_A 10 may include and transmit thesepieces of identification information in ESM information response message(S2102) which is a response message to a EPS Session Management (ESM)information request message.

The MME_A 40 receives the attach request message and/or the ESMinformation response message and determines the first condition. In acase that the first condition is true, the MME_A 40 starts a procedure(A) of this procedure; in a case that the first condition is false, theMME_A 40 starts a procedure (B) of this procedure.

Steps of the procedure (A) of this procedure will be described below.The MME_A 40 determines the fourth condition and starts the procedure(A) during the present procedure. In a case that the fourth condition istrue, the MME_A 40 starts the procedure (C) during a UE-initiated PDUsession establishment procedure and omits the procedure (C) in a casethat the fourth condition is false (S2104). Furthermore, the MME_A 40transmits an attach accept message to the eNB_A 45, based on receptionof the attach request message and/or reception of a session generationresponse message (S2106). Note that, in a case of receiving the createsession reject message, the MME_A 40 may start the procedure (B) in thisprocedure instead of continuing the procedure (A) in this procedure.

The eNB_A 45 receives the attach accept message, and transmits an RRCconnection reconfiguration request message and/or the attach acceptmessage to the UE_A 10 (S2108). Note that the attach accept message maybe included and transmitted and/or received in the RRC connectionreconfiguration request message. Furthermore, in a case that the fourthcondition is true, the MME_A 40 may include and transmit theabove-mentioned PDU session establishment accept message in the attachaccept message, or may indicate that the PDU session establishmentprocedure is accepted by including the PDU session establishment acceptmessage.

Here, the MME_A 40 may include, in the attach accept message, at leastone or more identification information of the fourth identificationinformation, the fifth identification information, the sixthidentification information, the ninth identification information, thetenth identification information, the fifteenth identificationinformation, and the sixteenth identification information, may includean APN and/or an IP address, may indicate that the request of the UE_A10 is accepted by including these pieces of identification information,or may indicate to allow for establishment of the multiaccess session.

Furthermore, by transmitting and/or receiving the fourth identificationinformation, and/or the fifth identification information, and/or theninth identification information, and/or the fifteenth identificationinformation, each device may indicate that the network supportsestablishment of the first type of the multiaccess session, may indicatethat the network supports communication by using Access TrafficSwitching, or may indicate that the network supports communication byusing NBIFOM.

In addition, by transmitting and/or receiving the fourth identificationinformation, and/or the fifth identification information, and/or theninth identification information, and/or the fifteenth identificationinformation, each device may indicate that the network supports AccessTraffic Switching, or may indicate that the network supportsestablishment of a PDU session supporting Access Traffic Switching.

Furthermore, by transmitting and/or receiving the fifteenthidentification information, each device may indicate an access capableof communication using the first type of the multiaccess session, or mayindicate a routing rule corresponding to the first type of themultiaccess session configurable by the network.

In addition, by transmitting and/or receiving the fourth identificationinformation, and/or the sixth identification information, and/or thetenth identification information, and/or the sixteenth identificationinformation, each device may indicate that the network supportsestablishment of the second type of the multiaccess session, or mayindicate that the network supports communication using Access TrafficSplitting.

In addition, by transmitting and/or receiving the fourth identificationinformation, and/or the sixth identification information, and/or thetenth identification information, and/or the sixteenth identificationinformation, each device may indicate that the network supports AccessTraffic Splitting, or may indicate that the network supportsestablishment of a PDU session supporting Access Traffic Splitting.

Furthermore, by transmitting and/or receiving the sixteenthidentification information, each device may indicate whether a functionof Access Traffic Splitting can be performed to each flow, or mayindicate a routing rule corresponding to the second type of themultiaccess session configurable by the network.

Here, the first to third condition determination may be the same as thefirst to third condition determination during the UE-initiated PDUsession establishment procedure. In addition, the fourth conditiondetermination is intended to determine whether the MME_A 40 performs thePDU session establishment procedure. The fourth condition being true maybe a case that the PDU session establishment request message isreceived, or may be a case that the UE-initiated PDU sessionestablishment procedure is also performed during the present procedure.Furthermore, the fourth condition being false may be a case that the PDUsession establishment request message is not received, may be a casethat the UE-initiated PDU session establishment procedure is not alsoperformed during the present procedure, or may be a case that the fourthcondition is not determined to be true.

In a case that the RRC connection reconfiguration request message isreceived, the UE_A 10 transmits the RRC connection reconfigurationrequest message to the eNB_A 45 (S2110). The eNB_A 45 receives the RRCconnection reconfiguration request message, and transmits a bearerconfiguration message to the MME_A 40 (S2112). Moreover, the MME_A 40receives the bearer configuration message.

In a case that the attach accept message is received, the UE_A 10transmits an attach complete message to the MME_A 40 via the eNB_A 45(S2114) (S2116). Furthermore, the MME_A 40 receives the attach completemessage. Furthermore, in a case that the fourth condition is true, theMME_A 40 starts the procedure (D) during the UE-initiated PDU sessionestablishment procedure (S2118). Each device completes the procedure (A)during the present procedure, based on transmission and/or reception ofthe attach complete message and/or completion of the procedure (D) inthe UE-initiated PDU session establishment procedure.

Note that the UE_A 10 may include and transmit the above-mentioned PDUsession establishment complete message in the attach complete message ina case of receiving the PDU session establishment accept message, or mayindicate that the PDU session establishment procedure is completed byincluding the PDU session establishment complete message.

Next, steps of the procedure (B) of this procedure will be described.The MME_A 40 transmits an attach reject message to the UE_A 10 via theeNB_A 45, and starts the procedure (B) during the present procedure(S2120). Furthermore, the UE_A 10 receives the attach reject message andrecognizes that the request of the UE_A 10 is rejected. Each devicecompletes the procedure (B) during the present procedure, based on thetransmission and/or reception of the attach reject message. Note that ina case that the fourth condition is true, the MME_A 40 may include andtransmit the above-mentioned PDU session establishment reject message inthe attach reject message, or may indicate that the PDU sessionestablishment procedure is rejected by including the PDU sessionestablishment reject message.

In addition, the MME_A 40 may include, in the attach reject message, oneor more identification information of the eleventh identificationinformation, the twelfth identification information, the seventeenthidentification information, and the eighteenth identificationinformation, or by including these pieces of identification information,may indicate that the request of the UE_A 10 is rejected, may indicatethat the network of the connection destination does not supportestablishment of the multiaccess session, or may indicate thatestablishment of the multiaccess session is not allowed.

Furthermore, by transmitting and/or receiving the eleventhidentification information, and/or the seventeenth identificationinformation, each device may indicate that the network does not supportestablishment of the first type of the multiaccess session, may indicatethat the network does not support communication using Access TrafficSwitching, may indicate that the network does not support communicationusing NBIFOM, or may notify of the reason why each request is rejected.

In addition, by transmitting and/or receiving the twelfth identificationinformation and/or the eighteenth identification information, eachdevice may indicate that the network does not support establishment ofthe second type of the multiaccess session, may indicate that thenetwork does not support communication using Access Traffic Splitting,or may notify of the reason why each request is rejected.

Each apparatus completes this procedure, based on completion of theprocedure (A) or (B) of this procedure. Note that each device may changeits state to a state of the UE_A 10 being connected with the networkand/or a registration state, based on completion of the procedure (A)during the present procedure, or may recognize that the presentprocedure is rejected, based on completion of the procedure (B) in thepresent procedure. In addition, transition to each state of each devicemay be performed based on completion of the present procedure, or may beperformed based on establishment of a PDU session.

Furthermore, each device may determine that establishment of themultiaccess session is possible based on completion of the presentprocedure. In other words, each device may determine that establishmentof the multiaccess session is possible in a case of transmitting and/orreceiving one or more identification information of the fourthidentification information, the fifth identification information, thesixth identification information, the ninth identification information,the tenth identification information, the fifteenth identificationinformation, and the sixteenth identification information, and maydetermine that the establishment is not possible in a case oftransmitting and/or receiving one or more identification information ofthe eleventh identification information, the twelfth identificationinformation, the seventeenth identification information, and theeighteenth identification information. Furthermore, each device maydetermine that communication using a communication path via the firstaccess and a communication path via the second access can be performedby determining that establishment of the multiaccess session ispossible.

Furthermore, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the fourthidentification information, and/or the fifth identification information,and/or the ninth identification information, and/or the fifteenthidentification information, each device may determine that establishmentof the first type of the multiaccess session is possible, or maydetermine that establishment of the PDU session supporting AccessTraffic Switching is possible. Furthermore, in a case of transmittingand/or receiving the fourth identification information, and/or the fifthidentification information, and/or the ninth identification information,and/or the fifteenth identification information, each device mayrecognize that a PDU session to which Access Traffic Switching and/orNBIFOM is applicable can be established.

In addition, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the fourthidentification information, and/or the sixth identification information,and/or the tenth identification information, and/or the sixteenthidentification information, each device may determine that establishmentof the second type of the multiaccess session is possible, or maydetermine that establishment of the PDU session supporting AccessTraffic Splitting is possible. Furthermore, in a case of transmittingand/or receiving the fourth identification information, and/or the sixthidentification information, and/or the tenth identification information,and/or the sixteenth identification information, each device mayrecognize that a PDU session to which Access Traffic Splitting isapplicable can be established.

Furthermore, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the fifteenthidentification information, each device may recognize and store anaccess and/or a routing rule available in the first type of themultiaccess session. Furthermore, in a case of transmitting and/orreceiving the sixteenth identification information, each device mayrecognize and store information for indicating whether a function ofAccess Traffic Splitting is performable to each flow of user datatransmitted and/or received, and/or a routing rule available in thesecond type of the multiaccess session.

Furthermore, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving one or moreidentification information of the eleventh identification information,the twelfth identification information, the seventeenth identificationinformation, and the eighteenth identification information, each devicemay recognize the reason why the request of the UE_A 10 is rejected.Moreover, each apparatus may perform this procedure again based on thecause of rejection of the request from the UE_A 10.

In addition, the above-mentioned first to fourth condition determinationmay be performed based on identification information, and/or subscriberinformation, and/or operator policy included in the attach requestmessage. In addition, the condition for determining if the first to thefourth conditions are true or false does not need to be limited to theconditions mentioned above.

For example, in addition, the first condition determination and/or thethird condition determination may be similar to the above-mentionedUE-initiated PDU session establishment procedure example.

1.3.3.1. Example of Attach Procedure Via Second Access

Next, an implementation example of an attach procedure via the secondaccess will be described. Note that this procedure may be similar to theabove-described example of the UE-initiated PDU session establishmentprocedure via the second access. Therefore, description of the steps isomitted.

1.3.4. Example of Routing Rule Update Procedure

Next, an example of a routing rule update procedure will be described.This procedure is a procedure for updating a routing rule for amulti-access session. Each apparatus can perform this procedure at anarbitrary timing as long as the UE_A 10 is connected to the corenetwork_A 90 via multiple access networks and/or has established amulti-access session. In other words, each apparatus can start thisprocedure in the first state. Note that each apparatus may enter a stateof allowing Access Traffic Switching in a multi-access session or astate of allowing Access Traffic Splitting, upon completion of thisprocedure.

This procedure may be performed under the initiative of the UE_A 10 orperformed under the initiative of a network. For example, the networkmay perform this procedure under the initiative of the network, based ondetection of a change in subscriber information and/or operator policy,or perform this procedure under the initiative of the network, based onreception of a control message from the UE_A 10. The UE_A 10 may performthis procedure under the initiative of the UE_A 10 upon detection of achange in configuration and/or state of the UE_A 10 itself.

This procedure may be a procedure via the first access or a procedurevia the second access. For example, in a case of changing a routing ruleand/or various configurations associated with the first access, eachapparatus may perform this procedure via the first access; in a case ofchanging a routing rule and/or various configuration associated with thesecond access, each apparatus may perform this procedure via the secondaccess.

1.3.4.1. Example of Network-Initiated Routing Rule Update Procedure

With reference to FIG. 19, a description will be given of an example ofa process for performing the routing rule update procedure under theinitiative of a network. Steps of this procedure will be describedbelow. First, the PCRF_A 60 starts the IP-CAN session update procedurewith the PGW_A 30 (S2400). More specifically, the PCRF_A 60 transmits arequest message in the IP-CAN session update procedure to the PGW_A 30.Moreover, the PGW_A 30 receives the request message in the IP-CANsession update procedure.

Here, the PCRF_A 60 may include, in the request message in the IP-CANsession establishment procedure, at least the nineteenth identificationinformation and/or the twentieth identification information, or mayinclude these pieces of identification information in the message torequest to update a routing rule.

Next, the PGW_A 30 starts the procedure (C) of this procedure. Steps ofthe procedure (C) of this procedure will be described below. The PGW_A30 transmits an update bearer request message to the SGW_A 35 and/or theTWAG_A 74 and/or the ePDG_A 65 and starts the procedure (C) of thisprocedure (S2402). Moreover, the SGW_A 35 and/or the TWAG_A 74 and/orthe ePDG_A 65 receives the update bearer request message. Note that thePGW_A 30 may perform selection of the SGW_A 35 and/or the TWAG_A 74and/or the ePDG_A 65, based on a received bearer resource commandmessage to be described later, or perform the selection, based on acontext for a multi-access session held by the PGW_A 30.

Here, the PGW_A 30 and/or the SGW_A 35 may include, in the update bearerrequest message, at least the nineteenth identification informationand/or the twentieth identification information, or may include thesepieces of identification information in the message to request to updatea routing rule.

Next, in a case of receiving the update bearer request message, theSGW_A 35 transmits the update bearer request message to the MME_A 40(S2402). Moreover, the MME_A 40 receives the update bearer requestmessage and transmits a modify EPS bearer context request message to theUE_A 10 (S2404). In a case of receiving the update bearer requestmessage, the TWAG_A 74 transmits the PDN modification request message tothe UE_A 10 (S2404). In a case that the ePDG_A 65 has received theupdate bearer request message, the UE_A 10 transmits an INFORMATIONALrequest message to the UE_A 10 (S2404). Note that the modify EPS bearercontext request message and/or the PDN modification request messageand/or the INFORMATIONAL request message may be a routing rule updaterequest message.

Here, the MME_A 40 may include, in the modify EPS bearer context requestmessage, at least the nineteenth identification information and/or thetwentieth identification information, or include these pieces ofidentification information in the message request to update a routingrule.

The TWAG_A 74 may include, in the PDN modification request message, atleast the nineteenth identification information and/or the twentiethidentification information, or include these pieces of identificationinformation in the message to request to update a routing rule.

The ePDG_A 65 may include, in the INFORMATIONAL request message, atleast the nineteenth identification information and/or the twentiethidentification information, or include these pieces of identificationinformation in the message to request to update a routing rule.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the nineteenthidentification information to request to perform the Access TrafficSwitching function and/or the NBIFOM function for a multi-accesssession.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the nineteenth identificationinformation to request to configure or modify the access for performingcommunication using a first type multi-access session or indicate thetype of access after the configuration or modification. Note that theaccess to be configured or modified may be an access to be used forcommunication in one or multiple flows that can be performed using afirst type multi-access session.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the nineteenth identificationinformation to request to configure or modify the routing ruleassociated with a first type multi-access session or indicate a routingrule to be associated with a first type multi-access session.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the twentiethidentification information to request to perform the Access TrafficSplitting function for communication in one or multiple flows that canbe performed using a second type multi-access session or request to stopthe Access Traffic Splitting function. Moreover, each apparatus maytransmit and/or receive the twentieth identification information toindicate the communication of a flow to perform the Access TrafficSwitching function.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the twentieth identificationinformation to request to configure or modify the routing ruleassociated with a second type multi-access session or indicate a routingrule to be associated with a second type multi-access session.

Next, the UE_A 10 receives the modify EPS bearer context request messageand/or the PDN modification request message and/or INFORMATIONAL requestmessage and evaluates a fifth condition. In a case that the fifthcondition is true, the UE_A 10 starts the procedure (A) of thisprocedure; in a case that the fifth condition is false, the UE_A 10starts the procedure (B) of this procedure.

Here, the fifth condition evaluation is for evaluating whether or notthe UE_A 10 is to accept a request from the network. The fifth conditionbeing true may be a case of accepting the request from the network, thatis, a case that the request from the network is allowed. Moreover, thefifth condition being false may be a case of rejecting the request fromthe network, that is, a case of not judging that the fifth condition istrue.

More specifically, the fifth condition evaluation is for evaluatingwhether or not the UE_A 10 is to accept a request in the routing ruleupdate procedure. The fifth condition being true may be a case that theUE_A 10 allows update of a routing rule; the fifth condition being falsemay be a case that the UE_A 10 does not allow update of a routing rule.

For example, in a case that the network requests update of a routingrule and the UE_A 10 allows the request, the fifth condition may betrue. In a case that the network requests update of a routing rule andthe UE_A 10 does not allow the request, the fifth condition may befalse. Moreover, in a case that the UE_A 10 does not support update of arouting rule, the fifth condition may be false.

More specifically, the fifth condition may be true in a case that arequest of update of a first type and/or second type routing rule fromthe network is accepted, and may be false in a case that the request isnot accepted.

Moreover, the fifth condition may be true in a case that the type ofaccess and/or a routing rule requested from the network to be used in amulti-access session is accepted, and may be false in a case that thetype of access and/or the routing rule is not accepted.

Moreover, the fifth condition may be true in a case that the requestfrom the network to enable or not the Access Traffic Switching functionand/or the NBIFOM function and/or the Access Traffic Splitting functionis accepted, and may be false in a case that the request is notaccepted.

Here, steps of the procedure (A) of this procedure will be describedbelow. The UE_A 10 transmits a response message for acceptance to thetransmission source of the control message and starts the procedure (A)of this procedure (S2406). Specifically, in a case of receiving a modifyEPS bearer context request message, the UE_A 10 transmits a modify EPSbearer context accept message to the MME_A 40 (S2406). Moreover, theMME_A 40 receives the modify EPS bearer context accept message. In acase of receiving the PDN modification request message, the UE_A 10transmits the PDN modification accept message to the TWAG_A 74 (S2406).Moreover, the TWAG_A 74 receives the PDN modification accept message. Ina case of receiving an INFORMATIONAL request message, the UE_A 10transmits an INFORMATIONAL response message to the ePDG_A 65 (S2406).Moreover, the ePDG_A 65 receives the INFORMATIONAL response message.Note that the modify EPS bearer context accept message and/or the PDNmodification accept message and/or the INFORMATIONAL response messagemay be a routing rule update request message.

Here, the UE_A 10 may include, in the modify EPS bearer context acceptmessage and/or the PDN modification accept message and/or INFORMATIONALresponse message, the twenty-first identification information and/or thetwenty-second identification information, or include these pieces ofidentification information in the message(s) to indicate that update ofthe routing rule is allowed.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the twenty-firstidentification information to indicate that the Access Traffic Switchingfunction and/or the NBIFOM function is to be performed for amulti-access session.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the twenty-firstidentification information to indicate that configuration ormodification of the access for performing communication using a firsttype multi-access session is allowed or indicate the type of accessafter the configuration or modification. Note that the access to beconfigured or modified may be an access to be used for communication inone or multiple flows that can be performed using a first typemulti-access session.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the twenty-firstidentification information to indicate that configuration ormodification of the routing rule associated with a first typemulti-access session is allowed or indicate the routing rule associatedwith a first type multi-access session.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the twenty-secondidentification information to indicate that execution of the AccessTraffic Splitting function for communication in one or multiple flowsthat can be performed using a second type multi-access session isallowed or indicate that stopping of the Access Traffic Splittingfunction is allowed. Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/orreceive the twenty-second identification information to indicate thecommunication of a flow for which the Access Traffic Splitting functionis to be performed.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the twenty-secondidentification information to indicate that configuration ormodification of the routing rule associated with a second typemulti-access session is allowed or indicate the routing rule associatedwith a second type multi-access session.

Next, in a case of receiving a modify EPS bearer context accept message,the MME_A 40 transmits an Update Bearer Response message to the SGW_A 35(S2408). Moreover, the SGW_A 35 receives the Update Bearer Responsemessage and transmits the Update Bearer Response message to the PGW_A 30(S2408). In a case of receiving a PDN modification accept message, theTWAG_A 74 transmits an Update Bearer Response message to the PGW_A 30(S2408). In a case of receiving an INFORMATIONAL response message, theePDG_A 65 transmits an Update Bearer Response message to the PGW_A 30(S2408). Moreover, the PGW_A 30 receives the Update Bearer Responsemessage. Each apparatus completes the procedure (A) of this procedure,based on transmission and/or reception of the Update Bearer Responsemessage.

Here, the MME_A 40 and/or the SGW_A 35 and/or the TWAG_A 74 and/or theePDG_A 65 may include, in the Update Bearer Response message, at leastthe twenty-first identification information and/or the twenty-secondidentification information, or include these pieces of identificationinformation in the message to indicate that update of a routing rule isallowed.

Next, steps of the procedure (B) of this procedure will be describedbelow. The UE_A 10 transmits a response message for rejection to thetransmission source of the control message and starts the procedure (B)of this procedure (S2410). Specifically, in a case of receiving a modifyEPS bearer context request message, the UE_A 10 transmits a modify EPSbearer context reject message to the MME_A 40 (S2410). Moreover, theMME_A 40 receives the modify EPS bearer context reject message. In acase of receiving the PDN modification request message, the UE_A 10transmits a PDN modification reject message to the TWAG_A 74 (S2410).Moreover, the TWAG_A 74 receives the PDN modification reject message. Ina case of receiving an INFORMATIONAL request message, the UE_A 10transmits an INFORMATIONAL response message to the ePDG_A 65 (S2410).Moreover, the ePDG_A 65 receives the INFORMATIONAL response message.Note that the modify EPS bearer context reject message and/or the PDNmodification reject message and/or the INFORMATIONAL request message maybe a routing rule update response message.

Here, the UE_A 10 may include, in the modify EPS bearer context rejectmessage and/or the PDN modification reject message and/or theINFORMATIONAL response message, the twenty-third identificationinformation and/or the twenty-fourth identification information in themodify EPS bearer context reject message, or include these pieces ofidentification information in the message(s) to indicate that update ofthe routing rule is allowed.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the twenty-thirdidentification information to indicate that the Access Traffic Switchingfunction and/or the NBIFOM function is not allowed to be performed for amulti-access session.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the twenty-thirdidentification information to indicate that a request to configure ormodify an access for performing communication using a first typemulti-access session is rejected or indicate that a request to configureor modify an access to be used for communication that can be performedusing a first type multi-access session in one or multiple flows isrejected.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the twenty-thirdidentification information to indicate that a request to configure ormodify the routing rule associated with a first type multi-accesssession is rejected or make notification about cause of rejection ofeach request.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the twenty-thirdidentification information to indicate that configuration ormodification of an access for performing communication using a firsttype multi-access session is not allowed or indicate that configurationor modification of a routing rule corresponding to a first typemulti-access session is not allowed.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the twenty-fourthidentification information to indicate that a request to perform theAccess Traffic Splitting function for communication in one or multipleflows that can be performed using a second type multi-access session isrejected or indicate that a request to stop the Access Traffic Splittingfunction is rejected. Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/orreceive the twenty-fourth identification information to indicate whichflow of the communication is not to perform the Access Traffic Splittingfunction.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the twenty-fourthidentification information to indicate that a request to configure ormodify the routing rule associated with a second type multi-accesssession is rejected or make notification about cause of rejection ofeach request.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the twenty-fourthidentification information to indicate that execution of Access TrafficSplitting function is not allowed for each flow or indicate thatconfiguration or modification of a routing rule corresponding to asecond type multi-access session is not allowed.

Next, in a case of receiving a modify EPS bearer context reject message,the MME_A 40 transmits an update bearer reject message to the SGW_A 35(S2412). Moreover, the SGW_A 35 receives the update bearer rejectmessage and transmits the update bearer reject message to the PGW_A 30(S2412). In a case of receiving a PDN modification reject message, theTWAG_A 74 transmits an update bearer reject message to the PGW_A 30(S2412). In a case of receiving an INFORMATIONAL response message, theePDG_A 65 transmits an update bearer reject message to the PGW_A 30(S2412). Moreover, the PGW_A 30 receives the update bearer rejectmessage. Each apparatus completes the procedure (B) of this procedure,based on transmission and/or reception of the update bearer rejectmessage. Note that the update bearer reject message may be an UpdateBearer Response message including a reject cause.

Here, the MME_A 40 and/or the SGW_A 35 and/or the TWAG_A 74 and/or theePDG_A 65 may include, in the update bearer reject message, at least thetwenty-third identification information and/or the twenty-fourthidentification information, or include these pieces of identificationinformation in the message to indicate that update of a routing rule isnot allowed.

Each apparatus completes the procedure (C) of this procedure, based oncompletion of the procedure (A) and/or (B) of this procedure. The PGW_A30 terminates the IP-CAN session update procedure, based on completionof the procedure (C) of this procedure (S2414). More specifically, thePGW_A 30 transmits a response message in the IP-CAN sessionestablishment procedure to the PCRF_A 60 and terminates the IP-CANsession update procedure. Moreover, the PCRF_A 60 receives the responsemessage in the IP-CAN session update procedure.

Here, the PGW_A 30 may include, in the response message of the IP-CANsession establishment procedure, the twenty-first identificationinformation and/or the twenty-second identification information orinclude these pieces of identification information in the message toindicate that update of a routing rule is allowed.

The PGW_A 30 may include, in the response message of the IP-CAN sessionestablishment procedure, the twenty-third identification informationand/or the twenty-fourth identification information or include thesepieces of identification information in the message to indicate thatupdate of a routing rule is not allowed.

Note that, in a case that an established multi-access session and/or thePGW_A 30 does not use the PCRF_A 60, the IP-CAN session update procedure(S2400) (S2414) may be omitted. In this case, this procedure may be aPGW_A 30 initiated procedure instead of being a PCRF_A 60 initiatedprocedure, and the role of the PCRF_A 60 may be performed by the PGW_A30.

Each apparatus completes this procedure, based on completion of theprocedure (C) of this procedure and/or completion of the IP-CAN sessionupdate procedure. Note that each apparatus may recognize that thisprocedure is accepted, based on completion of the procedure (A) of thisprocedure or may recognize that this procedure is rejected, based oncompletion of the procedure (B) of this procedure.

Each apparatus may update or may not necessarily update the routing rulecorresponding to a multi-access session, based on completion of thisprocedure. In other words, in a case of receiving the twenty-firstidentification information and/or the twenty-second identificationinformation, each apparatus may update the routing rule corresponding tothe multi-access session. In a case of receiving the twenty-thirdidentification information and/or the twenty-fourth identificationinformation, each apparatus may update the routing rule corresponding tothe multi-access session.

Moreover, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the twenty-firstidentification information, each apparatus may perform the AccessTraffic Switching function and/or the NBIFOM function for themulti-access session. In a case of transmitting and/or receiving thetwenty-first identification information, each apparatus may recognizethat the access for performing communication using a first typemulti-access session is configured or modified, or recognize the accessafter the configuration or modification.

In a case of transmitting and/or receiving the twenty-firstidentification information, each apparatus may recognize that therouting rule associated with a first type multi-access session isconfigured or modified, or recognize or store the routing ruleassociated with a first type multi-access session.

Moreover, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the twenty-secondidentification information, each apparatus may perform or stop theAccess Traffic Splitting function for communication of one or multipleflows that can be performed by using a second type multi-access session.Moreover, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the twenty-secondidentification information, each apparatus may recognize thecommunication in a flow to which the Access Traffic Splitting functionis applicable.

In a case of transmitting and/or receiving the twenty-secondidentification information, each apparatus may recognize that therouting rule associated with a second type multi-access session isconfigured or modified, or recognize or store the routing ruleassociated with a second type multi-access session.

Moreover, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the twenty-thirdidentification information, each apparatus may determine that it is notpossible to perform the Access Traffic Switching function and/or theNBIFOM function for the multi-access session, or recognize that theaccess for performing communication using a first type multi-accesssession is not configured or modified.

In a case of transmitting and/or receiving the twenty-thirdidentification information, each apparatus may recognize that therouting rule associated with a first type multi-access session is notconfigured or modified.

Moreover, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the twenty-fourthidentification information, each apparatus may determine that the AccessTraffic Splitting function cannot be executed or stopped forcommunication in one or multiple flows that can be performed using asecond type multi-access session or recognize the communication of aflow to which the Access Traffic Splitting function is not applicable.

In a case of transmitting and/or receiving the twenty-fourthidentification information, each apparatus may recognize that therouting rule associated with a second type multi-access session is notconfigured or modified.

1.3.4.2. Example of UE-Initiated Routing Rule Update Procedure

With reference to FIG. 20, a description will be given of an example ofa process for performing the routing rule update procedure under theinitiative of the UE_A 10. Steps of this procedure will be describedbelow. First, the UE_A 10 transmits a control message to an apparatus inan access network that has established a multi-access session and/or anapparatus in the core network_A 90 and starts the UE-initiated routingrule update procedure (S2500).

Specifically, in a case that a multi-access session is established viathe first access, the UE_A 10 may transmit a bearer resourcemodification request message to the MME_A 40 (S2500). Moreover, theMME_A 40 may receive the bearer resource modification request message.Specifically, in a case that a multi-access session is established viathe second access and/or the WLAN ANa 70, the UE_A 10 may transmit a PDNmodification indication message to the TWAG_A 74. Moreover, the TWAG_A74 may receive the PDN modification indication message. In a case that amulti-access session is established via the second access and/or theWLAN ANb 65, the UE_A 10 may transmit an INFORMATIONAL request messageto the ePDG_A 65. Moreover, the ePDG_A 65 may receive the INFORMATIONALrequest message and transmit an INFORMATIONAL response message to theUE_A 10. Note that the bearer resource modification request messageand/or the PDN modification indication message and/or the INFORMATIONALrequest message may be a routing rule modification request message.

Here, the UE_A 10 may include, in the bearer resource modificationrequest message and/or the PDN modification indication message and/orthe INFORMATIONAL request message, the thirteenth identificationinformation and/or the fourteenth identification information, or includethese pieces of identification information in the message(s) to requestto update a routing rule.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the thirteenthidentification information to request to perform the Access TrafficSwitching function and/or the NBIFOM function for a multi-accesssession.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the thirteenth identificationinformation to request to configure or modify the access for performingcommunication using a first type multi-access session or indicate thetype of access after the configuration or modification. Note that theaccess to be configured or modified may be an access to be used forcommunication in one or multiple flows that can be performed using afirst type multi-access session.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the thirteenth identificationinformation to request to configure or modify the routing ruleassociated with a first type multi-access session or indicate a routingrule to be associated with a first type multi-access session.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the fourteenthidentification information to request to perform the Access TrafficSplitting function for communication in one or multiple flows that canbe performed using a second type multi-access session or request to stopthe Access Traffic Splitting function. Moreover, each apparatus maytransmit and/or receive the fourteenth identification information toindicate a communication of a flow that is to perform the Access TrafficSplitting function.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the fourteenth identificationinformation to request to configure or modify the routing ruleassociated with a second type multi-access session or indicate a routingrule to be associated with a second type multi-access session.

Next, in a case of receiving a bearer resource modification requestmessage, the MME_A 40 transmits a bearer resource command message to theSGW_A 35 (S2504). Moreover, in a case of receiving a bearer resourcecommand message, the SGW_A 35 transmits the bearer resource commandmessage to the PGW_A 30 (S2504). In a case of receiving a PDNmodification indication message, the TWAG_A 74 transmits a bearerresource command message to the PGW_A 30 (S2504). In a case of receivingan INFORMATIONAL request message, the ePDG_A 65 transmits a bearerresource command message to the PGW_A 30 (S2504).

Here, the MME_A 40 and/or the SGW_A 35 and/or the TWAG_A 74 and/or theePDG_A 65 may include the thirteenth identification information and/orthe fourteenth identification information in the bearer resource commandmessage, or include these pieces of identification information in themessage to request to update a routing rule.

The PGW_A 30 receives the bearer resource command message and performsthe IP-CAN session update procedure with the PCRF_A 60 (S2506).Specifically, the PGW_A 30 transmits a request message in the IP-CANsession update procedure to the PCRF_A 60. Moreover, the PCRF_A 60receives the request message in the IP-CAN session update procedure,evaluates the sixth condition, and transmits a response message in theIP-CAN session update procedure to the PGW_A 30. Moreover, the PGW_A 30receives the response message in the IP-CAN session update procedure andrealizes a result of the sixth condition evaluation.

Here, the sixth condition evaluation is for evaluating whether or not anetwork is to accept a request from the UE_A 10. The sixth conditionbeing true may be a case of accepting the request from the UE_A 10, thatis, a case that the request from the UE_A 10 is allowed. Moreover, thesixth condition being false may be a case of rejecting the request fromthe UE_A 10, that is, a case of not judging that the sixth condition istrue.

For example, in a case that the UE_A 10 requests update of a routingrule and the network allows the request, the sixth condition may betrue. In a case that the UE_A 10 requests update of a routing rule andthe network does not allow the request, the sixth condition may befalse. Moreover, in a case that the network that is the connectiondestination of the UE_A 10 and/or an apparatus in the network does notsupport update of a routing rule, the sixth condition may be false.

More specifically, the sixth condition may be true in a case that arequest of update of a first type and/or second type routing rule fromthe UE_A 10 is accepted, and may be false in a case that the request isnot accepted.

Moreover, the sixth condition may be true in a case that the type ofaccess and/or a routing rule requested from the UE_A 10 to be used in amulti-access session is accepted, and be false in a case that the typeof access and/or the routing rule is not accepted.

Moreover, the sixth condition may be true in a case that the requestfrom the UE_A 10 to enable or not to enable the Access Traffic Switchingfunction and/or the NBIFOM function and/or the Access Traffic Splittingfunction is accepted, and be false in a case that the request is notaccepted.

Here, the PGW_A 30 may include the thirteenth identification informationand/or the fourteenth identification information in the request messagein the IP-CAN session update procedure, or may include these pieces ofidentification information in the message to request to update a routingrule.

The PCRF_A 60 may include, in a response message in the IP-CAN sessionupdate procedure, at least the result of the sixth informationevaluation or include this result in the message to notify the PGW_A 30of the result of the sixth condition evaluation.

Moreover, the PCRF_A 60 may include, in the response message in theIP-CAN session update procedure, the fifteenth identificationinformation and/or the sixteenth identification information, or includethese pieces of identification information in the message to indicatethat update of a routing rule is allowed.

The PCRF_A 60 may include, in the response message in the IP-CAN sessionupdate procedure, the seventeenth identification information and/or theeighteenth identification information, or include these pieces ofidentification information in the message to indicate update of arouting rule is not allowed.

Note that, in a case that an established multi-access session and/or thePGW_A 30 does not use the PCRF_A 60, the IP-CAN session update proceduremay be omitted. In this case, the sixth condition evaluation may beperformed by the PGW_A 30 instead of the PCRF_A 60.

Next, in a case that the sixth condition is true, the PGW_A 30 startsthe procedure (A) of this procedure; in a case that the sixth conditionis false, the PGW_A 30 starts the procedure (B) of this procedure. Here,the procedure (A) of this procedure may be similar to the procedure (C)of the network-initiated routing rule update procedure.

Note that, in the procedure (A) of this procedure, the PGW_A 30 and/orthe SGW_A 35 may include, in the modify bearer request message, thefifteenth identification information and/or the sixteenth identificationinformation, or include these pieces of identification information inthe message to indicate that update of a routing rule is allowed.

Here, the MME_A 40 may include the fifteenth identification informationand/or the sixteenth identification information in the modify EPS bearercontext request message, or include these pieces of identificationinformation in the message to indicate that update of a routing rule isallowed.

The TWAG_A 74 may include, in the PDN modification request message, thefifteenth identification information and/or the sixteenth identificationinformation, or include these pieces of identification information inthe message to indicate that update of a routing rule is allowed.

The ePDG_A 65 may include, in the INFORMATIONAL request message, thefifteenth identification information and/or the sixteenth identificationinformation, or include these pieces of identification information inthe message to indicate that update of a routing rule is allowed.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the fifteenthidentification information to indicate that the Access Traffic Switchingfunction and/or the NBIFOM function is to be performed for amulti-access session.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the fifteenth identificationinformation to indicate that configuration or modification of the accessfor performing communication using a first type multi-access session isallowed or indicate the type of access after the configuration ormodification. Note that the access to be configured or modified may bean access to be used for communication in one or multiple flows that canbe performed using a first type multi-access session.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the fifteenth identificationinformation to indicate that configuration or modification of therouting rule associated with a first type multi-access session isallowed or indicate the routing rule associated with a first typemulti-access session.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the sixteenthidentification information to indicate that execution of the AccessTraffic Splitting function for communication in one or multiple flowsthat can be performed using a second type multi-access session isallowed or indicate that stopping of the Access Traffic Splittingfunction is allowed. Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/orreceive the sixteenth identification information to indicate thecommunication of a flow for which the Access Traffic Splitting functionis to be performed.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the sixteenth identificationinformation to indicate that configuration or modification of therouting rule associated with a second type multi-access session isallowed or indicate the routing rule associated with a second typemulti-access session.

Note that the modify EPS bearer context request message and/or the PDNmodification request message and/or the INFORMATIONAL request messagemay be a routing rule update response message.

Next, steps of the procedure (B) of this procedure will be described.The PGW_A 30 transmits a bearer update reject message to thetransmission source of the bearer resource command message and startsthe procedure (B) of this procedure (S2510). More specifically, thePGW_A 30 transmits a bearer update reject message to the SGW_A 35 and/orthe TWAG_A 74 and/or the ePDG_A 65 (S2510). Moreover, the SGW_A 35and/or the TWAG_A 74 and/or the ePDG_A 65 receives the bearer updatereject message. Note that the bearer update reject message may be anupdate bearer request message or an Update Bearer Response messageincluding a reject cause.

Here, the PGW_A 30 and/or the SGW_A 35 may include, in the bearer updatereject message, the seventeenth identification information and/or theeighteenth identification information, or include these pieces ofidentification information in the message to indicate that update of arouting rule is not allowed.

Next, in a case that the SGW_A 35 receives the bearer update rejectmessage, the SGW_A 35 transmits the bearer update reject message to theMME_A 40 (S2510). Moreover, the MME_A 40 receives the bearer updatereject message and transmits a modify EPS bearer context reject messageto the UE_A 10 (S2512). In a case of receiving the PDN modificationreject message, the TWAG_A 74 transmits the PDN modification rejectmessage to the UE_A 10 (S2512). In a case that the ePDG_A 65 receivesthe bearer update reject message, the ePDG_A 65 transmits anINFORMATIONAL request message to the UE_A 10 (S2512). Note that themodify EPS bearer context reject message and/or the PDN modificationreject message and/or the INFORMATIONAL request message may be a routingrule update reject message.

Here, the MME_A 40 may include, in the modify EPS bearer context rejectmessage, the seventeenth identification information and/or theeighteenth identification information, or include these pieces ofidentification information in the message to indicate that update of arouting rule is not allowed.

The TWAG_A 74 may include the seventeenth identification informationand/or the eighteenth identification information in the PDN modificationreject message, or include these pieces of identification information inthe message to indicate that update of a routing rule is not allowed.

The ePDG_A 65 may include, in the INFORMATIONAL request message, theseventeenth identification information and/or the eighteenthidentification information, or include these pieces of identificationinformation in the message to indicate that update of a routing rule isnot allowed.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the seventeenthidentification information to indicate that the Access Traffic Switchingfunction and/or the NBIFOM function is not allowed to be performed for amulti-access session.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the seventeenthidentification information to indicate that a request to configure ormodify an access for performing communication using a first typemulti-access session is rejected or indicate that a request to configureor modify an access to be used for communication that can be performedusing a first type multi-access session in one or multiple flows.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the seventeenthidentification information to indicate that a request to configure ormodify the routing rule associated with a first type multi-accesssession is rejected or make notification about cause of rejection ofeach request.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the seventeenthidentification information to indicate that configuration ormodification of an access for performing communication using a firsttype multi-access session is not allowed or indicate that configurationor modification of a routing rule corresponding to a first typemulti-access session is not allowed.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the eighteenthidentification information to indicate that a request to perform theAccess Traffic Splitting function for communication in one or multipleflows that can be performed using a second type multi-access session isrejected or indicate that a request to stop the Access Traffic Splittingfunction is rejected. Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/orreceive the eighteenth identification information to indicate thecommunication of a flow not to perform the Access Traffic Splittingfunction.

Each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the eighteenth identificationinformation to indicate that a request to configure or modify therouting rule associated with a second type multi-access session isrejected or make notification about cause of rejection of each request.

Moreover, each apparatus may transmit and/or receive the eighteenthidentification information to indicate that execution of Access TrafficSplitting function is not allowed for each flow or indicate thatconfiguration or modification of a routing rule corresponding to asecond type multi-access session is not allowed.

The UE_A 10 receives the modify EPS bearer context reject message and/orthe PDN modification reject message and/or INFORMATIONAL requestmessage. Moreover, in a case of receiving an INFORMATIONAL requestmessage, the UE_A 10 transmits an INFORMATIONAL response message to theePDG_A 65 (S2514). Each apparatus completes the procedure (B) of thisprocedure, based on transmission and/or reception of the modify EPSbearer context reject message and/or the PDN modification reject messageand/or the INFORMATIONAL request message and/or the INFORMATIONALresponse message.

Each apparatus completes this procedure, based on completion of theprocedure (A) or (B) of this procedure. Note that each apparatus mayrecognize that this procedure is accepted, based on completion of theprocedure (A) of this procedure or recognize that this procedure isrejected, based on completion of the procedure (B) of this procedure.

Each apparatus may update or may not necessarily update the routing rulecorresponding to a multi-access session, based on completion of thisprocedure. In other words, in a case of receiving the fifteenthidentification information and/or the sixteenth identificationinformation, each apparatus may update the routing rule corresponding tothe multi-access session. In a case of receiving the seventeenthidentification information and/or the eighteenth identificationinformation, each apparatus may update the routing rule corresponding tothe multi-access session.

Moreover, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the fifteenthidentification information, each apparatus may perform the AccessTraffic Switching function and/or the NBIFOM function for themulti-access session. In a case of transmitting and/or receiving thefifteenth identification information, each apparatus may recognize thatthe access for performing communication using a first type multi-accesssession is configured or modified, or recognize the access after theconfiguration or modification.

In a case of transmitting and/or receiving the fifteenth identificationinformation, each apparatus may recognize that the routing ruleassociated with a first type multi-access session is configured ormodified, or recognize or store the routing rule associated with a firsttype multi-access session.

Moreover, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the sixteenthidentification information, each apparatus may perform or stop theAccess Traffic Splitting function for communication of one or multipleflows that can be performed by using a second type multi-access session.Moreover, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the sixteenthidentification information, each apparatus may recognize thecommunication in a flow to which the Access Traffic Splitting functionis applicable.

In a case of transmitting and/or receiving the sixteenth identificationinformation, each apparatus may recognize that the routing ruleassociated with a second type multi-access session is configured ormodified, or recognize or store the routing rule associated with asecond type multi-access session.

Moreover, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the seventeenthidentification information, each apparatus may determine that it is notpossible to perform the Access Traffic Switching function and/or theNBIFOM function for the multi-access session, or recognize that theaccess for performing communication using a first type multi-accesssession is not configured or modified.

In a case of transmitting and/or receiving the seventeenthidentification information, each apparatus may recognize that therouting rule associated with a first type multi-access session is notconfigured or modified.

Moreover, in a case of transmitting and/or receiving the eighteenthidentification information, each apparatus may determine that the AccessTraffic Splitting function cannot be executed or stopped forcommunication in one or multiple flows that can be performed using asecond type multi-access session or recognize the communication of aflow to which the Access Traffic Splitting function is not applicable.

In a case of transmitting and/or receiving the eighteenth identificationinformation, each apparatus may recognize that the routing ruleassociated with a second type multi-access session is not configured ormodified.

1.3.5. Modified Example of Present Embodiment

Each apparatus according to the present embodiment may be an apparatusdifferent from the corresponding apparatus described above. For example,the MME_A 40 is an apparatus that plays a role of mobility management ofeach apparatus, such as the UE_A 10, and/or session management betweenapparatuses, but the role of mobility management and the role of sessionmanagement may be played by different apparatuses in the core network_A90 of the present embodiment.

Specifically, a Session Management Entity (SME) may play the function ofsession management of the MME_A 40. In this case, the MME_A 40 of thepresent embodiment can be replaced with a Session Management Entity(SME). Moreover, each message transmitted from and/or received by theMME_A 40 described regarding the communication procedure in the presentembodiment may be transmitted from and/or received by the SME, or eachprocess performed by the MME_A 40 described regarding the communicationprocedure may be performed by the SME.

The eNB_A 45 in the present embodiment may be an apparatus in another3GPP access network instead of being an apparatus in the E-UTRAN_A 80.For example, the eNB_A 45 may be a NextGen BS_A 122, a NB_A 22, or aBSS_A 26. The TWAG_A 74 in the present embodiment may be an apparatus inanother non-3GPP access network or the WAG_A 126.

2. MODIFIED EXAMPLE

A program running on an apparatus according to the present invention mayserve as a program that controls a Central Processing Unit (CPU) and thelike to cause a computer to operate in such a manner as to realize thefunctions of the embodiment according to the present invention. Programsor the information handled by the programs are stored in a volatilememory, such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory,such as a flash memory, a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or another storageapparatus system.

Note that programs for implementing the functions of the embodimentsrelated to the present invention may be recorded in a computer-readablerecording medium. The programs recorded in this recording medium may beread by the computer system for execution, to implement the functions.It is assumed that the “computer system” refers to a computer systembuilt into the apparatuses, and the computer system includes anoperating system and hardware components such as a peripheral apparatus.Furthermore, the “computer-readable recording medium” may be any of asemiconductor recording medium, an optical recording medium, a magneticrecording medium, a medium configured to dynamically hold the programsfor a short time period, and another computer-readable recording medium.

Furthermore, each functional block or various characteristics of theapparatuses used in the above-described embodiments may be implementedor performed on an electric circuit, for example, an integrated circuitor multiple integrated circuits. An electric circuit designed to performthe functions described in the present specification may include ageneral-purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), anApplication Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field ProgrammableGate Array (FPGA), or other programmable logic apparatuses, discretegates or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or acombination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be amicroprocessor, or may be a processor of known type, a controller, amicro-controller, or a state machine instead. The above-mentionedelectric circuits may be constituted of a digital circuit, or may beconstituted of an analog circuit. Furthermore, in a case that withadvances in semiconductor technology, a circuit integration technologyappears that replaces the present integrated circuits, one or multiplemodes of the present invention can use a new integrated circuit based onthe technology.

Note that the invention of the present patent application is not limitedto the above-described embodiments. In the embodiments, apparatuses havebeen described as an example, but the invention of the presentapplication is not limited to these apparatuses, and is applicable to aterminal apparatus or a communication apparatus of a fixed-type or astationary-type electronic apparatus installed indoors or outdoors, forexample, an AV apparatus, a kitchen apparatus, a cleaning or washingmachine, an air-conditioning apparatus, office equipment, a vendingmachine, and other household apparatuses.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detailabove referring to the drawings, but the specific configuration is notlimited to the embodiments and includes, for example, an amendment to adesign that falls within the scope that does not depart from the gist ofthe present invention. Furthermore, various modifications are possiblewithin the scope of the present invention defined by claims, andembodiments that are made by suitably combining technical meansdisclosed according to the different embodiments are also included inthe technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, aconfiguration in which constituent elements, described in the respectiveembodiments and having mutually the same effects, are substituted forone another is also included in the technical scope of the presentinvention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 Mobile communication system-   5 PDN_A-   10 UE_A-   20 UTRAN_A-   22 NB_A-   24 RNC_A-   25 GERAN_A-   26 BSS_A-   30 PGW_A-   35 SGW_A-   40 MME_A-   45 eNB_A-   46 SCEF_A-   50 HSS_A-   55 AAA_A-   60 PCRF_A-   65 ePDG_A-   70 WLAN ANa-   72 WLAN APa-   74 TWAG_A-   75 WLAN ANb-   76 WLAN APb-   80 E-UTRAN_A-   90 Core network_A-   120 NextGen RAN_A-   122 NextGen BS_A-   125 WLAN ANc-   126 WAG_A

1. A User Equipment (UE) comprising: transmission and receptioncircuitry; and a controller, wherein the transmission and receptioncircuitry is configured to: transmit, over 3GPP access, a Protocol DataUnit (PDU) Session Establishment Request message; and receive, over the3GPP access, a PDU Session Establishment Accept message includingrouting rules for Multi-Access PDU Session and identificationinformation of Multi-Access PDU Session to be established, thecontroller is configured to recognize that Multi-Access PDU Session isestablished, based on receiving the PDU Session Establishment Acceptmessage, a first communication path over the 3GPP access is established,the transmission and reception circuitry is further configured toreceive, over non-3 GPP access, a control message including theidentification information of the Multi-Access PDU Session, and a secondcommunication path over the non-3GPP access is established.
 2. The UEaccording to claim 1, wherein the PDU Session Establishment Requestmessage includes information indicating that the UE supports AccessTraffic Switching and/or Access Traffic Splitting.
 3. A communicationmethod performed by a User Equipment (UE), the communication methodcomprising: transmitting, over 3GPP access, a Protocol Data Unit (PDU)Session Establishment Request message; receiving, over the 3GPP access,a PDU Session Establishment Accept message including routing rules forMulti-Access PDU Session and identification information of Multi-AccessPDU Session to be established; and recognizing that establishment ofMulti-Access PDU Session is allowed, based on receiving the PDU SessionEstablishment Accept message, wherein a first communication path overthe 3GPP access is established, the UE receives, over non-3GPP access, acontrol message including the identification information of theMulti-Access PDU Session, and a second communication path over thenon-3GPP access is established.
 4. The communication method according toclaim 3, wherein the PDU Session Establishment Request message includesinformation indicating that the UE supports Access Traffic Switchingand/or Access Traffic Splitting.